Inferior Clergy

Inferior Clergy "the several classes of assistants to the priesthood in the ancient churches. They were distinguished by the title ἀχειροτόνητος ὑπηρεσία, because they were appointed to their respective offices without the imposition of hands. Not being ordained at the altar, nor in ecclesiastical form, they were, of course, ineligible for the exercise of any of its sacerdotal functions; indeed, so distinctly drawn was the line between them and the superior orders, called ἱερώμενοι, holy, that they were strictly forbidden to touch the sacred vessels, or so much as to enter the 'diaconicum' sanctuary. The inferior clergy of the Church of England includes all those in holy orders not distinguished by their position and title as dignitaries of the Church. The offices of churchwarden, verger, sexton, and pew opener in the Church of England correspond in general to the offices of the inferior clergy of ancient times" (Eadie, Eccles. Cyclopaedia, s.v.). See Bingham, Orig. Eccles. book 1, ch. 1. SEE CLERGY.