Clergy

Within the framework of established faiths, clergy serve in the role of official leaders. Their tasks and responsibilities might change from one religious tradition to another, but in general, they are responsible for presiding over certain rites and instructing followers in the beliefs and practises of their faith. Individual members of the clergy may be referred to by a variety of names, including clergyman, clergywoman, clergyperson, churchman, and cleric. The title clerk in holy orders has a long history but is no longer often used.

There are many different types of formal and informal clergy positions in the Christian religion. Some examples of these positions are the pope, deacons, elders, priests, bishops, preachers, pastors, presbyters, ministers, and presbyters. The specific names and functions of the clergy in each Christian denomination are different from one another.

A religious leader in Islam is commonly referred to casually or professionally as an imam, caliph, qadi, mufti, mullah, muezzin, or ayatollah. These titles may also be used in combination.

A rabbi (also known as a teacher) or hazzan is often the title given to a Jewish religious leader (cantor).