Clergy


Religious beliefs—such as Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, or Moslem—are significant influences in the lives of millions of Americans, and prompt many to participate in organizations that reinforce their faith. Even within a religion many denominations may exist, with each group having unique traditions and responsibilities assigned to its clergy. For example, Christianity has more than 70 denominations, while Judaism has 4 major branches, as well as groups within each branch, with diverse customs.
Clergy are religious and spiritual leaders, and teachers and interpreters of their traditions and faith. Most members of the clergy serve in a pulpit. They organize and lead regular religious services and officiate at special ceremonies, including confirmations, weddings, and funerals. They may lead worshipers in prayer, administer the sacraments, deliver sermons, and read from sacred texts such as the Bible, Torah, or Koran. When not conducting worship services, clergy organize, supervise, and lead religious education programs for their congregations. Clergy visit the sick or bereaved to provide comfort and counsel persons who are seeking religious or moral guidance or who are troubled by family or personal problems. They also may work to expand the membership of their congregations and solicit donations to support their activities and facilities.
Clergy who serve large congregations often share their duties with associates or more junior clergy. Senior clergy may spend considerable time on administrative duties. They oversee the management of buildings, order supplies, contract for services and repairs, and supervise the work of staff and volunteers. Associate or assistant members of the clergy sometimes specialize in an area of religious service, such as music, education, or youth counseling. Clergy also work with committees and officials, elected by the congregation, who guide the management of the congregation�s finances and real estate.
Other members of the clergy serve their religious communities in ways that do not call for them to hold positions in congregations. Some serve as chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces and in hospitals, while others help to carry out the missions of religious community and social services agencies. A few members of the clergy serve in administrative or teaching posts in schools at all grade levels, including seminaries.

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Catholic Online,Berg also trotted out her suspicion – since discredited – that clergy members are present "and possibly involved" in the film rating process. ...

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Pope proclaims 4 new saints, including nun who worked in American ... - 16 Oct 2006
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Fund aids Catholic clergy who have been forced from ministry - Oct 14, 2006
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THE THREAT OFclergy burnout - Oct 13, 2006
Kansas.com,The Rev. Gene Williams, the organization's co-founder, said many clergy endure frustrations with their work in the same way other employees do. ...

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More information on Clergy from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Overview of Clergy occupation
Number of Clergy in the U.S.
Salary and earnings for Clergy
Working conditions for Clergy
Significant points for Clergy
Training requirements for Clergy




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