Episcopacy

usgb/ɪˈpɪskəpəsi/
noun

The system where a church is led by bishops.

The Anglican church is governed by an episcopacy.
Visual representation of "episcopacy" - The system where a church is led by bishops.

Often appears as...

  • anglican episcopacy
  • roman episcopacy
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "episcopacy"
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Church Leadership

Episcopacy refers specifically to a structure where bishops have authority over church matters.

Illustration for Church Leadership
The Methodist church decided to adopt an episcopacy system.
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Hierarchical Order

In an episcopacy, bishops are often part of a larger hierarchy, sometimes led by an archbishop or patriarch.

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Our episcopacy has a council of bishops under the leadership of an archbishop.
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Not Universal

Not all Christian denominations use an episcopacy; some have different governance structures.

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Unlike the episcopacy in Anglicanism, Baptists use a congregational governance model.
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