Who is classified as a cleric?

A cleric is someone who is officially recognized and formally trained within an organized religion, often assigned specific duties such as leading services, performing rituals, or providing spiritual guidance. The term is generally used to refer to clergy members such as priests, ministers, imams, or rabbis, who serve within their respective religious communities.

This classification relies on the individual's connection to an organized religious institution and their role within that framework. In contrast, a secular therapist, medical professional, or government official does not possess this religious affiliation or training, which is why they would not be classified as a cleric. The role of each of those professions involves a different set of responsibilities that do not align with the duties associated with clerics, underlining the distinction in definitions and functions of each type of professional.