clergy

cler·gy | \ ˈklər-jē

How to pronounce clergy (audio)

\

plural clergies

Definition of clergy

1 : a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church Members of the clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.

2 : the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion Buddhist clergy

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Examples of clergy in a Sentence

Local clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service. a member of the clergy

Recent Examples on the Web The bailout allowed taxpayer money to be spent for the first time on salaries of clergy, teachers and other staff at religious institutions – moving the line between church and state as never before. — Dan Horn, The Enquirer, "From St. Xavier to Solid Rock Church: Taxpayers send millions to religious groups in coronavirus bailout," 7 July 2020 Buenacosa now lives in the diocese quarters, about three hours from Cadiz City, with Alminaza and other clergy and staff. — Shibani Mahtani, Washington Post, "In Philippines, a child alleges abuse by Catholic priest — and tests Vatican promise for global reckoning," 23 June 2020 Up until that point, only Muslim and Christian clergy has been allowed in the room. — Haley Victory Smith, Washington Examiner, "Supreme Court halts execution of Texas inmate after spiritual adviser barred from death chamber," 17 June 2020 In the 1960s much of it started on college campuses, and the adult participants were mostly clergy because those people had no fear and ... could not be fired from their jobs. — Leyla Santiago, CNN, "Civil rights protesters from the 1950s and 1960s reflect on their struggle -- and the present movement," 15 June 2020 Early academics were often lower-rung members of the Christian clergy. — National Geographic, "Why do graduates wear those square hats?," 11 June 2020 The Texas prison system last year banned clergy from the death chamber following a Supreme Court ruling that halted the execution of another inmate, Patrick Murphy, who had requested a Buddhist adviser be allowed in the chamber. — CBS News, "Supreme Court halts execution after chaplain barred from death chamber; Kim Kardashian West hails decision," 17 June 2020 The Texas prison system last year banned clergy from the death chamber following a Supreme Court ruling that halted the execution of another inmate, Patrick Murphy, who had requested a Buddhist adviser be allowed in the chamber. — Fox News, "Supreme Court halts Texas execution over religious-rights concerns after clergy barred from death chamber," 17 June 2020 Before that, the Council on Religion and the Homosexual – a joint venture of liberal Protestant clergy, and gay and lesbian activists – held a drag ball at San Francisco's California Hall on New Year's Day 1965. — Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, "Making a wig and heels political: Black drag queens at the nexus of Black Lives Matter and Pride," 14 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clergy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near clergy

clergyman's sore throat

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Last Updated

10 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 11 Jul. 2020.

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