The group of people who are officially trained and appointed to lead religious services and perform religious duties, such as priests, ministers, or imams. It contrasts with ordinary believers or members.
From Old French "clergie" meaning "learned men, clergy," from Medieval Latin "clericus" meaning "clergyman," originally "clerk" or "scholar." Early clergy were among the few who could read and write.
The word for religious leaders is closely tied to the word for "clerks" because, for centuries, they were the educated ones who handled reading and records. Religion, writing, and administration were once all the same career path.
In many religious traditions, formal clergy roles were restricted to men for centuries, and language around clergy often defaulted to male titles and pronouns. Even where women served in pastoral or spiritual roles, they were frequently denied official recognition or authority.
Use gender-neutral terms like 'clergy', 'clergy member', or 'religious leader' when gender is irrelevant, and avoid assuming clergy are male by default. When a specific person's gender is known and relevant, use their correct title and pronouns.
["religious leader","faith leader","minister","clergy member"]
Women have long acted as spiritual leaders, preachers, and theologians—often outside formal structures—and have been instrumental in opening clergy roles to people of all genders.
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