The term "laity" refers to the members of a religious community who are not part of the clergy. In many religious traditions, the laity plays a vital role in supporting the community through participation in services, volunteering, and other activities. They often help carry out the mission of their faith without holding formal positions of authority. In Christianity, for example, the laity includes all baptized individuals who are not ordained as priests or ministers. The Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of the laity in spreading the faith and engaging in social and charitable works, highlighting their essential contribution to the life of the church.