What does the term 'liturgy' refer to in a religious context?

The term 'liturgy' in a religious context refers specifically to a form of public religious worship. It encompasses the rituals, ceremonies, and structured practices that a faith community engages in during worship services. Liturgy often includes elements such as prayers, hymns, scriptural readings, and communal participation, all designed to foster a sense of unity and reverence among the participants.

In many Christian traditions, for example, liturgy can be understood through the framework of the Eucharist or Mass, where the congregation collectively engages in worship through established rites rather than an individual or private expression of faith. This communal aspect is crucial to the definition of liturgy, as it emphasizes the shared experience of the faith community.

In contrast, a sacred text would refer to written works considered holy or authoritative within a religion, which does not capture the essence of communal worship. A specific religious doctrine denotes a set of beliefs that members of a faith adhere to, rather than the practice of worship itself. Lastly, a religious leader's title would pertain to the individuals in authority within a religious community but does not define the broader practice of liturgy as a whole.