[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Over a hundred years ago, I believe the church had an elaborate “gray area hierarchy” between clergy and the religious orders, and the laity.

This was a structural concept and a good one. For example, an artist could take one of these positions if he was planning a series of artwork or music devoted to the church, which provided him direction, something like commissions, access, and other support that would be difficult for lay persons to get. In exchange, it was his promise that he would deliver a “religiously satisfying” product that was inoffensive and serious.

Today, I can imagine any number of such positions, from caregivers to infirm and elderly clergy, to administrative personnel with access to confidential information. Once again creating a broader gray area between clergy and laity, as a comfortable way for laity to give broader participation.

[muawiyah]

An old buddy of mine went to seminary and didn't like it. He still wanted to "serve" though. The leader of our particular Boy Scout group had some contacts and got him involved in pursuing a course of study that would lead to him running old folk's homes ~ which is where he ended up.

His brother in law was a priest (alas, a total Leftwingtard).