Clergy

Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion . The term ultimately comes from the Greek "κλῆρος" - klēros , "a lot", "that which is assigned by lot" ( allotment ) or metaphorically, "inheritance". Depending on the religion, clergy usually take care of the ritual aspects of the religious life, teach or otherwise help in spreading the religion's doctrine and practices. They often deal with life-cycle events such as childbirth , baptism , circumcision , coming of age ceremonies and death . A priesthood is a body of priests , shamans , or oracles who have special religious authority or function. The term priest is derived from the Greek presbyter (πρεσβύτερος, presbýteros , elder or senior), but is often used in the sense of sacerdos in particular, i.e., for clergy performing ritual within the sphere of the sacred or numinous ( ta hiera ) communicating with the gods on behalf of the community. In Christianity there is a wide range of formal and informal clergy positions, including deacons , priests , bishops , and ministers . In Shiaa Islam , religious leaders are usually known as imams or ayatollahs . κλῆρος , Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus Digital Library Douglas Harper.

Clergy are some of the formal leaders within certain religions . The roles and functions of clergy vary in different religious traditions but these usually involve presiding over specific rituals and teaching their religion's doctrines and practices. Some of the terms used for individual clergy are cleric , clergyman , clergywoman , clergyperson , and churchman . In Christianity the specific names and roles of clergy vary by denomination and there is a wide range of formal and informal clergy positions, including deacons , priests , bishops , preachers , pastors , and ministers . In Islam , a religious leader is often known formally or informally as an imam , mufti or ayatollah . In Jewish tradition, a religious leader is often a rabbi or hazzan (cantor).

Formal leaders within established religions "Cleric" redirects here. (left to right) George Carey , Archbishop of Canterbury (1991–2002); Jonathan Sacks , Chief Rabbi (UK) ; Mustafa Cerić , Grand Mufti of Bosnia ; and Jim Wallis , Sojourners , United States. 2009 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland . Clergy are formal leaders within established religions . Their roles and functions vary in different religious traditions, but usually involve presiding over specific rituals and teaching their religion's doctrines and practices. Some of the terms used for individual clergy are clergyman , clergywoman , and churchman . Less common terms are cleric , churchwoman , and clergyperson , while clerk in holy orders has a long history but is rarely used. In Christianity , the specific names and roles of the clergy vary by denomination and there is a wide range of formal and informal clergy positions, including deacons , elders, priests , bishops , preachers , pastors , ministers and the pope . In Islam , a religious leader is often known formally or informally as an imam , qadi , mufti , mullah , or ayatollah . In the Jewish tradition , a religious leader is often a rabbi (teacher) or hazzan (cantor).

Formal leaders within established religions "Cleric" redirects here. Catholic clergy at the consecration of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sarajevo (1889). Clergy are formal leaders within established religions . Their roles and functions vary in different religious traditions, but usually involve presiding over specific rituals and teaching their religion's doctrines and practices. Some of the terms used for individual clergy are clergyman , clergywoman , clergyperson , churchman , ecclesiastic , and cleric , while clerk in holy orders has a long history but is rarely used. In Christianity , the specific names and roles of the clergy vary by denomination and there is a wide range of formal and informal clergy positions, including deacons , elders , priests , bishops , preachers , pastors , presbyters , ministers , and the pope . In Islam , a religious leader is often known formally or informally as an imam , caliph , qadi , sheikh , mufti , mullah , muezzin , or ayatollah . In the Jewish tradition , a religious leader is often a rabbi (teacher) or hazzan (cantor).

Formal leaders within established religions "Cleric" redirects here. Catholic clergy at the consecration of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sarajevo (1889). Clergy are formal leaders within established religions . Their roles and functions vary in different religious traditions, but usually involve presiding over specific rituals and teaching their religion's doctrines and practices. Some of the terms used for individual clergy are clergyman , clergywoman , clergyperson , churchman , cleric , ecclesiastic , and vicegerent while clerk in holy orders has a long history but is rarely used. In Christianity , the specific names and roles of the clergy vary by denomination and there is a wide range of formal and informal clergy positions, including deacons , elders , priests , bishops , cardinals , preachers , pastors , presbyters , ministers , and the pope . In Islam , a religious leader is often known formally or informally as an imam , caliph , qadi , mufti , sheikh , mullah , muezzin , and ulema . In the Jewish tradition , a religious leader is often a rabbi (teacher) or hazzan (cantor).