Clergy is the body of ecclesiastical persons, in contradistinction to the laity. The Greek word came in to use to indicate that this class waste be considered as the particular inheritance and property of God, or else, which is more probable, because it was customary to select by lot those set apart for special religious functions. At first there was no strongly-marked distinction between clergy and laity, but the former soon drew apart, consisting, after the apostolic age, of bishops, priests, and deacons, and in the 4th century of many additional inferior orders, such as sub-deacons, acolytes, etc. With the increased complexity of the hierarchy there was a steady accretion of privileges until the burden of these became intolerable to the laity.
The Episcopalians recognize three classes of clergy - bishops, priests, and deacons; and generally hold the doctrine of the apostolic succession. Large numbers of Protestants however, reject this dogma, and believe in the ministry of only one order. The Catholic clergyman, according to the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, is endowed in his spiritual character with a supernatural power, which distinguishes him essentially from the layman. Regular clergy are those who live according to monastic rule, secular clergy those who do not. Research Clergy
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People
Research Clergy