The space separating the clergy and choir from the body of the church is called what?

The space separating the clergy and choir from the body of the church is called what?

• A. Cancelli
• B. Chancel
• C. Presbytery
• D. Screen

Answer: (A)

The space where the clergy and choir are set apart from the nave is called the chancel. It surrounds the altar and is typically raised and separated from the main body of the church, the nave, by steps, a rail, or a screen. The term cancelli refers to the lattice screens that can separate the chancel from the nave, not the space itself. The presbytery is the portion of the chancel used for clergy seating, while a screen is just the barrier that can divide the spaces. So the correct concept is the chancel—the dedicated liturgical space for the clergy and choir.

The space where the clergy and choir are set apart from the nave is called the chancel. It surrounds the altar and is typically raised and separated from the main body of the church, the nave, by steps, a rail, or a screen. The term cancelli refers to the lattice screens that can separate the chancel from the nave, not the space itself. The presbytery is the portion of the chancel used for clergy seating, while a screen is just the barrier that can divide the spaces. So the correct concept is the chancel—the dedicated liturgical space for the clergy and choir.