Glossary

  • Lay

    All people in the church, often used for those who are not ordained.

  • Lent

    A season (from Ash Wednesday until Easter Eve) of self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study, and preparation for Easter. Its duration (forty days plus Sundays) recalls the temptation of Christ in the wilderness.

  • Liturgy

    The public worship of the Church.

  • Minister

    A person with responsibility for the work of the church in worship, mission and pastoral care.

  • Ministry

    A general term for the work of the church in worship, mission and pastoral care.

  • Minster

    An honorific title given to large or important churches in the country. Examples include York Minster, Westminster and Southwell Minster.

  • Mission

    Action to help the world become more like the place God intended it to be, and share the good news of Jesus

  • Mission Society

    Organisations set up to help the Church in its task of mission at home and overseas.

  • National Church Institutions

    The collective name for the 7 administrative bodies that work together to support the mission and ministries of the Church. 

  • Oath of Supremacy

    The Oath of Supremacy requires any person taking public or church office in England to swear allegiance to the monarch as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.