Q: What is Orthodox Christian Laity? A: Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) is an independently organized movement of Orthodox Christian laity and clergy The Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) is a syndiaconia (co-ministry) of clergy and laity committed to Orthodox unity and transparency in Church governance. Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) is an independent, national, Pan-Orthodox, 501(c)3 non-profit, educational association, incorporated in the State of Illinois on March 17, 1988, for the purpose of advancing the renewal of the Orthodox Christian Church in the United States by: advocating that the laity remain part of the conciliar governance process which provides balance to the hierarchy and clergy, all working together in governance, spiritual and other matters to ensure accountability and transparency in the affairs of the Church. OCL is committed to the establishment of an administratively and canonically unified, self-governing Orthodox Church in the United States.