Religious authorities

Religious authorities are individuals or institutions recognized within a faith community for their knowledge, leadership, and interpretation of religious teachings. They provide guidance on spiritual practices, moral issues, and religious laws, helping followers understand and live according to their faith’s principles. Examples include clergy, priests, imams, rabbis, or religious councils. Their authority derives from sacred texts, tradition, or community consensus. While they hold influential roles, they generally serve as advisors rather than rulers, enabling members to deepen their faith and maintain religious cohesion within their community.