What is the difference between the clergy and the laity?

The clergy refers to individuals who are ordained or appointed to perform religious duties and rituals, such as priests, ministers, or rabbis. They typically have specific responsibilities within a religious community, including leading worship services, providing spiritual guidance, and administering sacraments. In contrast, the laity consists of regular members of a religious community who are not part of the clergy; they engage in worship and support the church's mission but do not perform ordained functions. Essentially, the clergy serves in a leadership role, while the laity participates in the community without formal religious authority.