Laity
From the Greek word laos meaning “people,” the laity are baptized Christians distinct from those who are ordained.
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Glossary
An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church
Glossary definitions adapted from An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians, edited by Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY.
Lambeth Conference
A nonlegislative gathering of bishops from throughout the Anglican Communion, normally held every 10 years at the invitation of the archbishop of Canterbury.
Lambeth Palace
The London residence of the archbishop of Canterbury since 1207.
Latimer, Hugh
A 16th-century English bishop and Reformation leader, who was burned at the stake by order of Queen Mary I. Feast day: Oct. 16, along with Thomas Cranmer and Nicholas Ridley.
Laud, William
A 17th-century archbishop of Canterbury and martyr, who was the chief theological advisor of Kings Charles I and Charles II of England, and later beheaded for treason. Feast day: Jan. 10.
Laurence of Rome
A third-century deacon and martyr who was executed after he refused to hand over the church’s treasure to Rome. Feast day: Aug. 10.
Lavabo
Ritual cleansing of the celebrant’s hands at the offertory of the Eucharist and the basin that contains the water for this act. From the Latin lavabo meaning “I will wash,” taken from Psalm 26:6.
Law, William
An 18th-century English priest and spiritual writer, whose writing had a profound effect on Charles and John Wesley. Feast day: April 10.
Lay Reader
A trained layperson licensed by the bishop to lead worship in the absence of clergy.
Lectern
A book stand or reading desk that holds the book used for reading Scripture in public worship.