Minister

From Wikinfo

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. Compare with priest. In the Catholic Church minister is not a title used by the ordained clergy nor is it a form of address for them. See Catholic minister.

Political Ministers

A minister is a politician who heads a government ministry or department (e.g. education, finance, health, state, war etc...). Senior ministers are members of the cabinet, usually led by a prime minister or president.

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: