::::Sorry, but this is utter rubbish. I've spoken British English all my life and "layman" to me has always specifically meant a non-religious figure. The only two definitions in the OED are: "A man who is not a cleric; one of the laity." and "A man who is an ‘outsider’ or a non-expert in relation to some particular profession, art, or branch of knowledge." Where are you getting this "religious figure" definition from?