as in church
the people of a religion who are not priests, ministers, etc.
a member of the laity The laity has played an important role in the history of the church.
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Recent Examples of laity
The event, which drew roughly 80 clergy and laity from across the Central Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Arkansas, was held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway.
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Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 2 Sep. 2023
From this perspective, halachah is a partnership between the laity and the rabbinate, with the laity playing a critical role in the halachic process.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
The Vatican's laity office cracked down on the largely unregulated world of international associations of the faithful after some cases of abuses of authority and bad governance had been reported.
—Nicole Winfield, Star Tribune, 11 June 2021
And concerning public policy, the laity plays a crucial role in deciphering situations and conditions and helping apply them to halachah.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for laity 
Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 2 Sep. 2023
From this perspective, halachah is a partnership between the laity and the rabbinate, with the laity playing a critical role in the halachic process.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
The Vatican's laity office cracked down on the largely unregulated world of international associations of the faithful after some cases of abuses of authority and bad governance had been reported.
—Nicole Winfield, Star Tribune, 11 June 2021
And concerning public policy, the laity plays a crucial role in deciphering situations and conditions and helping apply them to halachah.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for laity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laity
Noun
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According to the White House fact sheet, some of those getting clemency on Thursday include a military veteran who spends time helping church members in poor health, a nurse who has helped in emergency response and an addiction counselor who volunteers to help young people.Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2024
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Many non-Muslim tourists make their way to the Blue Mosque each year, much in the way stunning churches in Europe attract non-Christians too.Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Nearly 170 bishops from France and around the world took part, along with one priest from each of the 113 parishes in the Paris diocese, accompanied by worshippers from these communities.THOMAS ADAMSON AND SYLVIE CORBET THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024
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After mass ended, the crowd participated in the mile-long procession that showcased over 60 groups from Catholic parishes across Arizona.David Ulloa Jr, The Arizona Republic, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
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To raise money, the congregation is selling Christmas tamales and hosting a tamale-making class on Friday.Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024
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After blessing the holy water, the archbishop will sprinkle it over the congregation and then the altar.Christian Edwards, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Laity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laity. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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