|
|
| Table of contents |
|
2 Political Ministers |
Religious Ministers
In most Protestant churches, a minister is a member of the ordained clergy who leads a congregation; such a person may also be called a pastor, preacher, or elder. In many churches, ministers are required to be seminary trained although some churches allow laymen to preach.
In the Catholic Church minister is not a title used by the ordained clergy (e.g. priests) nor is it a form of address for them, see Catholic minister.
The term "minister" comes from a Latin word meaning a "servant" (or first servant). In some countries (such as the US, Britain), such a person is instead known as a secretary or secretary of state.
Until the late 20th Century, ambassadors were also called ministers, ie: "Minister for Cuba" or "Minister for France."
A few ministers, see the lists below for more.