nounmasculinepl: laicatos
laity, lay people, laypeople
1. The body of lay people, as distinguished from the clergy; non-ordained members of a religious faith
The laity plays an important role in the modern church.
O laicato desempenha um papel importante na igreja moderna.
2. The state or condition of being a layperson or non-ordained member of a religious organization
He chose laity over ordination as a priest.
Ele escolheu o laicato em vez da ordenação como padre.
3. The collective group of secular or non-religious people; secular society
The laicato advocates for separation of church and state.
O laicato defende a separação entre igreja e estado.
In Brazil, 'laicato' is frequently used in religious discussions, particularly within the Catholic Church where lay participation and lay movements have become increasingly important since Vatican II. The term is also used in secular contexts when discussing secularism and the role of non-religious people in society. It reflects the ongoing tension between religious and secular values in Brazilian culture.
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