In religious organizations , the laity comprises all lay persons, i.e. non-clergy, collectively. In recent centuries, the term is often used more generally, in the context of any specialized profession, to refer to those who are not members of that profession.

Episcopal Church

In the Episcopal Church the laity can have say in legislation. At General Convention up to four lay persons from each diocese is elected to represent the diocese in the House of Deputies, one of the two governmental houses in the Episcopal Church. On the local parish level, lay persons are elected to a church council called a vestry.

Roman Catholicism

In previous years the laity had a much smaller role in the work of the Catholic church. In the past, church leaders felt that the role of the laity was little more than to "Pray, Pay, and Obey."

In the years following the Second Vatican Council the role of the laity in the Church has been greatly expanded to inclued lay ministers of various kinds. Also, as a result of the priest shortage, members of the laity have had to take on some of the roles previously performed by priests.

Related articles

• Laicization
• Lay brothers
• Laïcité