I. European Christian Churches – II. Churches Worldwide – III. Islam
I. European Christian Churches
1. Catholic Church
A division of the church into clergy and laity does not coincide with New Testament evidence. The designation “laity” derives from laikós, the adjective form of λαός/laós, “people.” In the Septuagint (LXX), this term describes the people of Israel in contrast to the (pagan) nations. In all important passages in the NT, it describes th…
Cite this page
Neuner, Peter,
Schneider, Johann,
Winkler, Eberhard,
Guder, Darrell,
Denis, Philippe and
Halm, Heinz,
“Clergy and Laity”, in:
Religion Past and Present.
Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1877-5888_rpp_COM_11871>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004146662, 2006-2013