Editing Laity (section)

====Anglicanism====
In the [[Anglican]] tradition, all baptized persons are expected to minister in Christ's name. The orders of ministry are thus laypersons, [[licensed lay minister]]s (or readers), deacons, priests, and bishops.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sites/default/files/downloads/book_of_common_prayer.pdf|title=''The Book of Common Prayer according to the use of The Episcopal Church, 1979 edition'', 855. Online at episcopalchurch.org|access-date=2015-01-02|archive-date=2015-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218102417/http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sites/default/files/downloads/book_of_common_prayer.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
The ministry of the laity is "to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church".<ref>''[[The Book of Common Prayer]] according to the use of The Episcopal Church'', 1979 edition [http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sites/default/files/downloads/book_of_common_prayer.pdf 855. Online at episcopalchurch.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218102417/http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sites/default/files/downloads/book_of_common_prayer.pdf |date=2015-02-18 }}</ref> Much of the ministry of the laity thus takes place outside official church structures in homes, workplaces, schools, and elsewhere. It is "through their continuous participation in political, economic, educational, and kinship institutions" that the laity "powerfully influence the character of these institutions".<ref>Gerhard Lenski, ''The Religious Factor: A Sociological Study of Religion's Impact on Politics, Economics, and Family Life'' (Anchor Books, 1963, rev. ed.), Section on "Religions Impact on Secular Institutions," 342-344.</ref>

Laymen also play important roles in the structures of the church. There are elected lay representatives on the [[Church of England#Structure|various governing bodies]] of churches in the Anglican communion. In the [[Church of England]], these governing bodies range from a local [[parochial church council]], through [[Deanery]] Synods and [[Diocesan Synod]]s. At the topmost level, the [[General Synod]] includes a house of Laity. Likewise, in the Episcopal Church in the USA, the [[General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America|General Convention]] includes four lay persons from each [[diocese]] in the House of Deputies, and each diocesan convention includes lay delegates from the parishes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.episcopalarchives.org/pdf/CnC/CandC_2012pp1-10.pdf|title=Governance Documents of the Church - The Archives of the Episcopal Church|website=www.episcopalarchives.org|access-date=2015-01-02|archive-date=2015-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501025928/http://www.episcopalarchives.org/pdf/CnC/CandC_2012pp1-10.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>  On the local [[parish]] level, lay persons are elected to a church council called a [[vestry]] which manages church finances and elects the parish [[Rector (ecclesiastical)|rector]].

Parish musicians, bookkeepers, administrative assistants, [[sexton (office)|sexton]]s, [[sacristan]]s, etc., are all roles normally filled by lay persons. At higher levels, diocesan and national offices rely on lay persons in many important areas of responsibility. Often specialized ministries as campus ministers, youth ministers, or hospital chaplains are performed by lay persons.

Lay persons serve in worship services in a number of important positions, including [[verger]]s, [[acolyte]]s, [[lector]]s, [[intercessor]]s, [[church usher|usher]]s. Acolytes include [[torch]] bearers, [[crucifer]]s, [[thurifer]]s, and [[boat boy|boat bearer]]s. Lectors read the lessons from the Bible appointed for the day (except for the Gospel reading, which is read by a Deacon), and may also lead the Prayers of the People.

Some specialized lay ministries require special licensing by the bishop: the ministries which require a license vary from province to province. In the Episcopal Church, there are six specialized lay ministries requiring a license: Pastoral Leader, Worship Leader, Preacher, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, and Catechist.<ref>Canon 4, Title III, ''Constitution & Canons Together with the Rules of Order for the Government of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America'', Adopted and Revised in General Convention, 2006</ref>