non-clergy

[/nɒn ˈklɜːrdʒi/]
noun
leigos
1. People who are not ordained members of the Christian clergy; lay persons or laity
The non-clergy members of the church community participated actively in the charity event.
Os leigos da comunidade eclesiástica participaram ativamente do evento de caridade.
2. Secular or non-religious individuals in the context of institutional or organizational discussions
The board included both clergy and non-clergy representatives.
O conselho incluía representantes tanto do clero quanto de leigos.
In Brazil, 'leigos' is commonly used in both Catholic and Protestant church contexts. The term emphasizes the distinction between ordained clergy and regular church members, which is particularly relevant in Liberation Theology movements and base ecclesial communities (CEBs). In the USA, the term reflects the democratic participation of non-ordained members in religious institutions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
laitylay peoplelaypeoplesecular personsnon-ordained members
Antonyms / Antônimos
clergyordainedpriesthoodecclesiastical

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
leigos
Standard term used in Catholic and Protestant contexts
Rio de Janeiro
leigos
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
leigos
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
leigos
Identical usage in European Portuguese

Related Words

laymanlaywomanecclesiasticalordinationsecularreligious

Related Idioms & Phrases

lay in the weeds
a lay of the land
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