Clergy are people officially authorized to lead religious services and perform sacred ceremonies in organized religions. A priest celebrating Mass, a rabbi leading prayers at a synagogue, a minister preaching on Sunday morning: these are all members of the clergy.

In Christianity, clergy include priests, ministers, pastors, and deacons. In Judaism, rabbis serve as clergy. In Islam, imams lead prayers and provide religious guidance. Buddhist monks and Hindu priests are also considered clergy in their traditions.

Members of the clergy often spend years studying their religion's sacred texts, traditions, and practices. They counsel people during difficult times, officiate weddings and funerals, teach religious classes, and help their communities. Many wear special clothing during services: a Catholic priest might wear vestments, a Jewish rabbi might wear a tallit (prayer shawl), and Buddhist monks often wear distinctive robes.

The clergy are distinguished from regular members of a religious community, who are sometimes called the laity. While anyone might pray or study religious texts, clergy members have formal training and authority to lead worship and perform certain religious ceremonies. Throughout history, clergy have been important figures in their communities, serving as spiritual leaders, teachers, counselors, and moral guides.