What is the area surrounding the altar in a church, usually enclosing the clergy, known as?

The area surrounding the altar in a church, which specifically encloses the clergy, is known as the chancel. This part of the church is typically elevated and set apart from the main body of the church, serving as a focal point for the worship service. It is where important elements of the liturgy take place, including the reading of scriptures, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the performance of other sacred rites. The architectural design of the chancel is intended to symbolize its sacredness and its role in facilitating the connection between the clergy and the divine during religious ceremonies.

In contrast, a chapel refers to a smaller place of worship that can be found within a larger church or a separate structure entirely, and it often hosts a variety of religious services. A committal service is associated with funerals and takes place at the gravesite or at a crematorium, rather than in the main sanctuary. Common carrier is a legal term related to transportation services and has no relevance in this context. Thus, the correct identification of the chancel highlights its significance within the structure and function of a church's worship space.