Glossary

From the Greek word laos meaning “people,” the laity are baptized Christians distinct from those who are ordained.

A nonlegislative gathering of bishops from throughout the Anglican Communion, normally held every 10 years at the invitation of the archbishop of Canterbury.

The London residence of the archbishop of Canterbury since 1207.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An 18th-century English priest and spiritual writer, whose writing had a profound effect on Charles and John Wesley. Feast day: April 10.

A trained layperson licensed by the bishop to lead worship in the absence of clergy.

A book stand or reading desk that holds the book used for reading Scripture in public worship.

An ordered system for designating the Holy Scriptures to be read at the Eucharist, the Daily Offices, and on specific dates and occasions.

A trained layperson who reads lessons, and may also lead the Prayers of the People. Licensing by the bishop is not required.

The period beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding the day before Easter, traditionally a season of fasting, self-examination, and penitence.

A fifth-century bishop and theologian known for compelling preaching and as a defender of orthodoxy. Feast day: Nov. 10.

A collection of proper collects, lessons, and psalms for the Eucharist on each of the weekdays of Lent, weekdays of Easter season, and each of the lesser feasts of the church year. LFF 2024 is currently in use by the church.

Documents transferring the canonical residency of a member of the clergy from one diocese to another.

Liturgical colors for vestments and altar dressings change with the seasons of the church year.

Refers to the rites or texts that provide order for worship services.

A 13th-century French king who sought to live a Franciscan life of poverty and self-denial in the midst of royal splendor. Feast day: Aug. 25.

An ecclesial philosophy that emphasizes personal faith, Scripture, preaching, and favors a simpler, less ceremonial style of worship than that of high-church tradition.

A Sunday when churches typically experience low attendance, such as the Sunday after Easter or Christmas.

A physician and companion of Paul, and the traditional author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Considered the first iconographer and patron saint of artists and physicians. Feast day: Oct. 18.

German theologian and priest who initiated the 16th-century Protestant Reformation by emphasizing salvation by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers. Feast day: Feb. 18.