Members of the established church of a particular place, especially of the Church of England (now chiefly historical); (later also more generally) members of a church, churchgoers.
Origin
Late 17th century.
Definition of church people in US English:
church people
noun
Members of the established church of a particular place, especially of the Church of England (now chiefly historical); (later also more generally) members of a church, churchgoers.