clergyperson
Leads a congregation
A clergyperson is an ordained religious leader—a priest, minister, rabbi, imam, or similar figure authorized to conduct worship and perform religious rites.
The term emerged as a gender-neutral alternative to clergyman: The clergyperson officiated at the wedding.
Clergy serves as the collective noun.
Christian congregation leader
- priestOne who performs sacraments
- ministerReligious leader or serve
- reverendWorthy of veneration
- vicarClergy substitute for bishop
rabbi · imam · monk · nun · friar · deacon · bishop · archbishop
Trust held as true
- doctrineEstablished body of teachings
- theologyStudy of the divine
- creedStatement of belief
- dogmaUnchallengeable official beliefs
piety · devotion · prayer · worship · sacred · holy · sanctity · grace
Place of Christian worship
- parishLocal church community
- congregationAssembled group of worshippers
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
- seminaryClergy training college
monastery · convent · synod · presbytery · rectory · parsonage · manse · vicarage
Formal event marking occasions
- liturgyFormal worship structure
- sacramentSacred ritual conveying grace
- riteCeremonial act or practice
- baptismRitual water purification ceremony
communion · ordination · matrimony · funeral · vespers · mass · blessing · confession
pastor
Christian congregation leader
vicar · rabbi · imam · monk · nun · friar · deacon · bishop · archbishop · cardinal
belief
Trust held as true
dogma · piety · devotion · prayer · worship · sacred · holy · sanctity · grace · salvation
church
Place of Christian worship
- parishLocal church community
- congregationAssembled group of worshippers
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
seminary · monastery · convent · synod · presbytery · rectory · parsonage · manse · vicarage · cathedral
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
baptism · communion · ordination · matrimony · funeral · vespers · mass · blessing · confession · absolution
mentor
Trusted wisdom-giving advisor
confidant · confessor · spiritual director · comforter · intercessor · mediator · consoler · listener · teacher · healer
robe
Long loose outer garment
- cassockFull-length clerical garment
- surpliceWhite ecclesiastical overgarment
- stoleTook without permission
chasuble · alb · mitre · collar · habit · cope · biretta · soutane · maniple · cincture
clergypersonlayperson
Non-specialist or unordained person
layman · laywoman · laity · congregant · parishioner
clergypersonsecular
Nonreligious, worldly
secularist · atheist · worldling · nonbeliever · materialist
person, personal, clerk, personality, clergy, clerical, cleric, clerks, parson