Episcopal polity: Difference between revisions
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{{About|the form of church governance|the churches characterized by this form of governance and naming themselves Episcopalian|Anglicanism}} | {{About|the form of church governance|the churches characterized by this form of governance and naming themselves Episcopalian|Anglicanism}} | ||
{{more citations needed |date=August 2015}} | {{more citations needed |date=August 2015}} | ||
[[File:Roma-san giovanni03.jpg|thumb|The chair ([[cathedra]]) of the Bishop of Rome ([[Pope]]) of the [[Catholic Church]] in the [[Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran]] in [[Rome]], Italy, represents his episcopal authority.]] | |||
{{Ecclesiastical polity}} | {{Ecclesiastical polity}} | ||
An '''episcopal polity''', also known as '''episcopalianism''', is a [[Hierarchy|hierarchical]] form of [[Ecclesiastical polity|church governance]] in which the chief local authorities are called [[bishop]]s. The word "bishop" here is derived via the | An '''episcopal polity''', also known as '''episcopalianism''', is a [[Hierarchy|hierarchical]] form of [[Ecclesiastical polity|church governance]] in which the chief local authorities are called [[bishop]]s. The word "bishop" here is derived via the [[Vulgar Latin]] term ''episcopus'', {{ety|grc|''ἐπίσκοπος'' (epískopos)|overseer}}.<ref>{{OEtymD|bishop}}</ref><ref>{{LSJ|e)pi/skopos1|ἐπίσκοπος|ref}}.</ref> It is the structure used by many of the major [[Christian Church|Christian church]]es and [[Christian denomination|denomination]]s, such as the [[Catholic]], [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]], [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]], [[Church of the East]], [[Anabaptist]], [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]], and [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] churches or denominations, and other churches founded independently from these lineages.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} Many [[Methodist denominations]] have a form of episcopal polity known as [[connexionalism]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Churches with an episcopal [[polity]] are governed by bishops, practising their authorities in the [[diocese]]s and [[Episcopal Conference|conference]]s or [[synod]]s. Their leadership is both [[sacrament]]al and constitutional: as well as performing [[ordination]]s, [[confirmation]]s, and [[consecration]]s, the bishop supervises the [[clergy]] within a local jurisdiction and is the representative both to secular structures and within the hierarchy of the church. | |||
Churches with an episcopal [[polity]] are governed by bishops, practising their authorities in the [[diocese]]s and [[Episcopal Conference|conference]]s or [[synod]]s. Their leadership is both [[sacrament]]al and constitutional | |||
Bishops are considered to derive their authority from an unbroken, personal [[apostolic succession]] from the [[Twelve Apostles]] of [[Jesus]]. Bishops with such authority are said to represent the [[historical episcopate]] or historic episcopate. Churches with this type of government usually believe that the Church requires episcopal government as described in the New Testament (see [http://www.usccb.org/bible/1timothy/3 1 Timothy 3] and [http://www.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/1 2 Timothy 1]). In some systems, bishops may be subject in limited ways to bishops holding a higher office (variously called [[archbishop]]s, [[Metropolitan bishop|metropolitan]]s, or [[patriarch]]s, depending upon the tradition). They also meet in councils or synods. These gatherings, subject to presidency by higher ranking bishops, usually make important decisions, though the synod or council may also be purely advisory. | Bishops are considered to derive their authority from an unbroken, personal [[apostolic succession]] from the [[Twelve Apostles]] of [[Jesus]]. Bishops with such authority are said to represent the [[historical episcopate]] or historic episcopate. Churches with this type of government usually believe that the Church requires episcopal government as described in the New Testament (see [http://www.usccb.org/bible/1timothy/3 1 Timothy 3] and [http://www.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/1 2 Timothy 1]). In some systems, bishops may be subject in limited ways to bishops holding a higher office (variously called [[archbishop]]s, [[Metropolitan bishop|metropolitan]]s, or [[patriarch]]s, depending upon the tradition). They also meet in councils or synods. These gatherings, subject to presidency by higher ranking bishops, usually make important decisions, though the synod or council may also be purely advisory. | ||
For much of the [[recorded history|written history]] of institutional Christianity, episcopal government was the only known form of church organization. This changed at the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]]. Many [[Protestantism|Protestant]] churches are now organized by either [[Congregationalist polity|congregational]] or [[Presbyterian polity|presbyterian]] church polities, both descended from the writings of [[John Calvin]], a Protestant reformer working and writing independently following the break with the [[Catholic Church]] precipitated by [[The Ninety-Five Theses]] of [[Martin Luther]]. However, some people have disputed the episcopal polity before the | For much of the [[recorded history|written history]] of institutional Christianity, episcopal government was the only known form of church organization. This changed at the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]]. Many [[Protestantism|Protestant]] churches are now organized by either [[Congregationalist polity|congregational]] or [[Presbyterian polity|presbyterian]] church polities, both descended from the writings of [[John Calvin]], a Protestant reformer working and writing independently following the break with the [[Catholic Church]] precipitated by [[The Ninety-Five Theses]] of [[Martin Luther]]. However, some people have disputed the episcopal polity before the Protestant Reformation, such as [[Aerius of Sebaste]] in the 4th century.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Philip Schaff: History of the Christian Church, Volume III: Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity. A.D. 311–600 – Christian Classics Ethereal Library|url=https://ccel.org/ccel/schaff/hcc3/hcc3.iii.vii.xx.html|access-date=2021-12-21|website=ccel.org}}</ref> | ||
==Overview of episcopal churches== | ==Overview of episcopal churches== | ||
The definition of the word ''episcopal'' has variation among Christian traditions. There are subtle differences in governmental principles among episcopal churches at the present time. To some extent the separation of episcopal churches can be traced to these differences in [[ecclesiology]], that is, their theological understanding of church and church governance. For some, "episcopal churches" are churches that use a hierarchy of bishops who identify as being in an unbroken, personal [[apostolic succession]]. | The definition of the word ''episcopal'' has variation among Christian traditions. There are subtle differences in governmental principles among episcopal churches at the present time. To some extent the separation of episcopal churches can be traced to these differences in [[ecclesiology]], that is, their theological understanding of church and church governance. For some, "episcopal churches" are churches that use a hierarchy of bishops who identify as being in an unbroken, personal [[apostolic succession]]. | ||
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* The [[Assyrian Church of the East]] | * The [[Assyrian Church of the East]] | ||
* The [[Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church]] | * The [[Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church]] | ||
* The | * The [[Anglican Communion]] | ||
* The [[Old Catholic]] churches | * The [[Old Catholic]] churches | ||
* | * The [[Independent Catholicism|Independent Catholic]] churches | ||
* Certain national churches of the [[Lutheran]] confession | * Certain national churches of the [[Lutheran]] confession | ||
* The [[African Methodist Episcopal Church]] | * The [[African Methodist Episcopal Church]] | ||
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==Eastern Orthodox Church== | ==Eastern Orthodox Church== | ||
The conciliar idea of episcopal government continues in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Synodal Structure of the Orthodox Church |url=https://www.goarch.org/-/the-synodal-structure-of-the-orthodox-church |access-date=25 October 2025 |website=Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America |publisher=Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America}}</ref> In [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], all [[autocephaly|autocephalous]] [[primate (bishop)|primates]] are seen as collectively gathering around Christ, with other archbishops and bishops gathering around them, and so forth.<ref>{{cite book |last=Ware |first=Kallistos (Bishop of Diokleia) |title=The Orthodox Church |publisher=Penguin / Oxford University Press |year=1993 |isbn=9780140135299 |pages=214–217}}</ref> There is no single primate with exclusive authority comparable to the Pope in Rome.<ref>{{cite web |title=The structure of the Church |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eastern-Orthodoxy/The-structure-of-the-church |access-date=25 October 2025 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref> However, the [[Patriarch of Constantinople]] (now Istanbul) is seen as the {{lang|la|[[primus inter pares]]}}, the "first among equals" of the autocephalous churches of Eastern Orthodoxy.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople: A Ministry of the Ecumenical Patriarchate |url=https://ec-patr.org/en/the-ecumenical-patriarchate-of-constantinople-a-ministry-of/ |access-date=25 October 2025 |website=Ecumenical Patriarchate |publisher=Ecumenical Patriarchate}}</ref> | |||
The conciliar idea of episcopal government continues in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. In [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], all [[autocephaly|autocephalous]] [[primate (bishop)|primates]] are seen as collectively gathering around Christ, with other archbishops and bishops gathering around them, and so forth. There is no single primate with exclusive authority comparable to the Pope in Rome. However, the [[Patriarch of Constantinople]] (now Istanbul) is seen as the {{lang|la|[[primus inter pares]]}}, the "first among equals" of the autocephalous churches of Eastern Orthodoxy. | |||
==Oriental Orthodox | ==Oriental Orthodox Churches== | ||
The [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox Churches]] affirm the ideas of apostolic succession and episcopal government. Within each national Church, the bishops form a holy [[synod]] to which even the Patriarch is subject. The [[Syriac Orthodox Church]] traces its [[apostolic succession]] to St. Peter and recognises Antioch as the original [[See of St. Peter]]. The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] traces its lineage to the Apostle Bartholomew. The [[Indian Orthodox Church]] traces its lineage to the Apostle Thomas. The [[Ethiopian Orthodox Church]] received its lines of succession ([[Frumentius]]) through the [[Coptic Orthodox Church]] in the fifth century. | The [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox Churches]] affirm the ideas of apostolic succession and episcopal government. Within each national Church, the bishops form a holy [[synod]] to which even the Patriarch is subject. The [[Syriac Orthodox Church]] traces its [[apostolic succession]] to St. Peter and recognises Antioch as the original [[See of St. Peter]]. The [[Armenian Apostolic Church]] traces its lineage to the Apostle Bartholomew. The [[Indian Orthodox Church]] traces its lineage to the Apostle Thomas. The [[Ethiopian Orthodox Church]] received its lines of succession ([[Frumentius]]) through the [[Coptic Orthodox Church]] in the fifth century. | ||
Both the [[Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Greek]] and Coptic Orthodox | Both the [[Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Greek]] and Coptic Orthodox churches each recognise their own Pope of Alexandria ([[Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa]], and [[Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria]] respectively), both of whom trace their apostolic succession back to the figure [[Mark the Evangelist]].<ref>[[Eusebius of Caesarea]], the author of an ''[[Church History (Eusebius)|Ecclesiastical History]]'' in the 4th century, states that St. Mark came to Egypt in the first or third year of the reign of Emperor Claudius, i.e. 41 or 43 AD. "Two Thousand Years of Coptic Christianity", Otto F.A. Meinardus, p. 28.</ref> There are official, ongoing efforts in recent times to heal this ancient breach. Already, the two recognize each other's [[baptism]]s, [[chrismation]]s, and [[marriage]]s, making intermarriage much easier. | ||
==Church of the East== | ==Church of the East== | ||
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Historically, the [[Church of the East]] has traced its episcopal succession to St. Thomas the Apostle. Currently the bishops of the [[Assyrian Church of the East]] continue to maintain its apostolic succession. | Historically, the [[Church of the East]] has traced its episcopal succession to St. Thomas the Apostle. Currently the bishops of the [[Assyrian Church of the East]] continue to maintain its apostolic succession. | ||
==Lutheran | ==Lutheran churches== | ||
[[Lutheran | [[Lutheran church]]es, such as the [[Batak Christian Protestant Church]], [[Church of Sweden]] and the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya]], maintain apostolic succession.<ref name="Obare">{{cite web |author1=[[Walter Obare]] |title=Choose Life! |url=https://media.ctsfw.edu/Item/GetFullText/498 |publisher=[[Concordia Theological Seminary]] |language=English}}</ref> In countries such as Sweden, Catholic bishops became Lutheran bishops during the Reformation, continuing the ancient lines of apostolic succession.<ref name="Goeckel2018">{{cite book |last1=Goeckel |first1=Robert F. |title=Soviet Religious Policy in Estonia and Latvia: Playing Harmony in the Singing Revolution |date=3 August 2018 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-03612-4 |language=en|quote=Among Lutherans there are also different positions: Scandinavian Lutheran churches claim apostolic succession, but German Lutheran churches (many formed from Prussian-mandated unions with Reformed Churches which reject this belief) do not affirm this element of doctrine. The Latvian and Estonian Lutheran churches had exchanged mutual recognition of this succession with the Anglican Church before WWII. They should be considered among the Scandinavian group rather than the German group, explaining theological motivation for consecration by a sitting bishop (Melton, ''Encyclopedia'', 91).}}</ref> | ||
Through Swedish missionary work and the establishment of Lutheran | Through Swedish missionary work and the establishment of Lutheran churches in various countries, such as in Kenya, apostolic succession was continued in those denominations, such as in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya, the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania]], the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa]], [[Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church]], [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia]], and [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe]], among others.<ref name="Obare"/> | ||
The [[Lutheran Church - International]], a Confessional Lutheran denomination of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship has an episcopal polity, with its clergy being ordained in lines of apostolic succession.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Note on the Citation of Apostolic Succession by the Lutheran Church-International |url=http://nebula.wsimg.com/4b4ecdc8ad06090b3b43ee221d9bd804?AccessKeyId=359D0854B4F4C0D65DEF&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 |access-date=25 May 2022 |language=English |quote=As with all gifts of Christ to His Church, the ability to trace links to the apostolic age and missions is a blessing that is useful in the work of the Christian Church Universal. As an Evangelical Catholic body confessing Holy Scripture and the guidance of the Lutheran Book of Concord, the Lutheran Church – International is grateful to God for the ability to participate in these lines of succession. They are for us in our ministries a sign of the unity and continuity of the Christian Church through the power of the Holy Spirit.}}</ref><ref name="LCI2011">{{cite web |title=News from the LC-I |url=http://www.lutheranchurchinternational.org/ |publisher=Lutheran Church-International |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916165918/http://www.lutheranchurchinternational.org/ |archivedate=16 September 2011|accessdate=2 February 2025|year=2011}}</ref> | The [[Lutheran Church - International]], a Confessional Lutheran denomination of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship has an episcopal polity, with its clergy being ordained in lines of apostolic succession.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Note on the Citation of Apostolic Succession by the Lutheran Church-International |url=http://nebula.wsimg.com/4b4ecdc8ad06090b3b43ee221d9bd804?AccessKeyId=359D0854B4F4C0D65DEF&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 |access-date=25 May 2022 |language=English |quote=As with all gifts of Christ to His Church, the ability to trace links to the apostolic age and missions is a blessing that is useful in the work of the Christian Church Universal. As an Evangelical Catholic body confessing Holy Scripture and the guidance of the Lutheran Book of Concord, the Lutheran Church – International is grateful to God for the ability to participate in these lines of succession. They are for us in our ministries a sign of the unity and continuity of the Christian Church through the power of the Holy Spirit.}}</ref><ref name="LCI2011">{{cite web |title=News from the LC-I |url=http://www.lutheranchurchinternational.org/ |publisher=Lutheran Church-International |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916165918/http://www.lutheranchurchinternational.org/ |archivedate=16 September 2011|accessdate=2 February 2025|year=2011}}</ref> | ||
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The legislation of [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]] effectively establishing the independence of the Church of England from Rome did not alter its constitutional or pastoral structures. [[Royal supremacy]] was exercised through the extant legal structures of the church, whose leaders were bishops. Episcopacy was thus seen as a given of the Reformed ''Ecclesia Anglicana'', and a foundation in the institution's appeal to ancient and apostolic legitimacy. What did change was that bishops were now seen to be ministers of the Crown for the spiritual government of its subjects. The influence of [[Richard Hooker (theologian)|Richard Hooker]] was crucial to an evolution in this understanding in which bishops came to be seen in their more traditional role as ones who delegate to the [[presbyterate]] inherited powers, act as pastors to presbyters, and holding a particular teaching office with respect to the wider church. | The legislation of [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]] effectively establishing the independence of the Church of England from Rome did not alter its constitutional or pastoral structures. [[Royal supremacy]] was exercised through the extant legal structures of the church, whose leaders were bishops. Episcopacy was thus seen as a given of the Reformed ''Ecclesia Anglicana'', and a foundation in the institution's appeal to ancient and apostolic legitimacy. What did change was that bishops were now seen to be ministers of the Crown for the spiritual government of its subjects. The influence of [[Richard Hooker (theologian)|Richard Hooker]] was crucial to an evolution in this understanding in which bishops came to be seen in their more traditional role as ones who delegate to the [[presbyterate]] inherited powers, act as pastors to presbyters, and holding a particular teaching office with respect to the wider church. | ||
[[File:The Most Reverend Paul Kwong.JPG|thumb|upright | [[File:The Most Reverend Paul Kwong.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Paul Kwong]], Anglican Archbishop and Primate of Hong Kong]] | ||
Anglican opinion has differed as to the way in which episcopal government is ''de jure divino'' (by the [[Divine Right of Kings]]). On the one hand, the seventeenth century divine, [[John Cosin]], held that episcopal authority is ''jure divino'', but that it stemmed from "apostolic practice and the customs of the Church ... [not] absolute precept that either Christ or His Apostles gave about it" (a view maintained also by Hooker).<ref>Cosin, ''Works'', Vol. IV (Oxford, 1855), p. 402</ref> In contrast, [[Lancelot Andrewes]] and others held that episcopal government is derived from Christ via the apostles. Regardless, both parties viewed the episcopacy as bearing the apostolic function of oversight which both includes, and derives from, the power of ordination, and is normative for the governance of the church. The practice of apostolic succession both ensures the legitimacy of the church's mission and establishes the unity, communion, and continuity of the local church with the universal church. This formulation, in turn, laid the groundwork for an independent view of the church as a "sacred society" distinct from civil society, which was so crucial for the development of local churches as non-established entities outside England, and gave direct rise to the [[Catholic Revival]] and [[disestablishmentarianism]] within England. | Anglican opinion has differed as to the way in which episcopal government is ''de jure divino'' (by the [[Divine Right of Kings]]). On the one hand, the seventeenth century divine, [[John Cosin]], held that episcopal authority is ''jure divino'', but that it stemmed from "apostolic practice and the customs of the Church ... [not] absolute precept that either Christ or His Apostles gave about it" (a view maintained also by Hooker).<ref>Cosin, ''Works'', Vol. IV (Oxford, 1855), p. 402</ref> In contrast, [[Lancelot Andrewes]] and others held that episcopal government is derived from Christ via the apostles. Regardless, both parties viewed the episcopacy as bearing the apostolic function of oversight which both includes, and derives from, the power of ordination, and is normative for the governance of the church. The practice of apostolic succession both ensures the legitimacy of the church's mission and establishes the unity, communion, and continuity of the local church with the universal church. This formulation, in turn, laid the groundwork for an independent view of the church as a "sacred society" distinct from civil society, which was so crucial for the development of local churches as non-established entities outside England, and gave direct rise to the [[Catholic Revival]] and [[disestablishmentarianism]] within England. | ||
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The spread of increasingly [[democracy|democratic]] forms of representative governance has its origin in the formation of the first General Conventions of the American Episcopal Church in the 1780s, which established a "House of Bishops" and a "House of Deputies". In many jurisdictions, there is also a third, clerical House. Resolutions may be voted on jointly or by each House, in the latter case requiring passage in all Houses to be adopted by the particular council. | The spread of increasingly [[democracy|democratic]] forms of representative governance has its origin in the formation of the first General Conventions of the American Episcopal Church in the 1780s, which established a "House of Bishops" and a "House of Deputies". In many jurisdictions, there is also a third, clerical House. Resolutions may be voted on jointly or by each House, in the latter case requiring passage in all Houses to be adopted by the particular council. | ||
Churches that are members of the Anglican Communion are episcopal churches in polity, and some are named "Episcopal". However, some churches that self-identify as Anglican do not belong to the Anglican Communion, and not all episcopally-governed churches are Anglican. The | Churches that are members of the Anglican Communion are episcopal churches in polity, and some are named "Episcopal". However, some churches that self-identify as Anglican do not belong to the Anglican Communion, and not all episcopally-governed churches are Anglican. The Roman Catholic Church, the [[Old Catholic Church|Old Catholic church]]es (in full communion with, but not members of, the Anglican Communion), and the Eastern Orthodox churches are recognized, and also their bishops, by Anglicans. | ||
==Methodist churches== | ==Methodist churches== | ||
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In the [[Free Methodist Church]], bishops are elected.<ref name="Finley2023">{{cite web |last1=Finley |first1=Jeff |title=Cowart, Martin, Kolde to Lead FMCUSA as Bishops |url=https://www.gc23.org/news/cowart-martin-kolde-to-lead-fmcusa-as-bishops |publisher=Free Methodist Church |access-date=21 May 2024 |date=26 July 2023}}</ref> | In the [[Free Methodist Church]], bishops are elected.<ref name="Finley2023">{{cite web |last1=Finley |first1=Jeff |title=Cowart, Martin, Kolde to Lead FMCUSA as Bishops |url=https://www.gc23.org/news/cowart-martin-kolde-to-lead-fmcusa-as-bishops |publisher=Free Methodist Church |access-date=21 May 2024 |date=26 July 2023}}</ref> | ||
In the [[United Methodist Church]], bishops are elected for life, can serve up to two terms in a specific conference (three if special permission is given), are responsible for ordaining and appointing clergy to pastor churches, perform many administrative duties, preside at the annual sessions of the regional | In the [[United Methodist Church]], bishops are elected for life, can serve up to two terms in a specific conference (three if special permission is given), are responsible for ordaining and appointing clergy to pastor churches, perform many administrative duties, preside at the annual sessions of the regional conferences and at the quadrennial meeting of the worldwide General Conference, have authority for teaching and leading the church on matters of social and doctrinal import, and serve to represent the denomination in ecumenical gatherings. United Methodist bishops in the United States serve in their appointed conferences, being moved to a new "Episcopal Area" after 8 (or 12) years, until their mandated retirement at the end of the quadrennium following their sixty-sixth birthday.<ref>[http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=21&mid=5860 Still in Production] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050427100231/http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=21&mid=5860 |date=2005-04-27 }}. UMC.org. Retrieved on 2013-07-23.</ref> | ||
The [[Methodist Church in Great Britain]] holds that all ordained ministers are equal in terms of spirituality. However, for practical management lines are drawn into President of Conference, Chair of District, Superintendent Minister, Minister. However, all are ministers. The [[Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches]] is non-episcopal. Similarly, the [[Congregational Methodist Church]] has a [[congregational polity]]. | The [[Methodist Church in Great Britain]] holds that all ordained ministers are equal in terms of spirituality. However, for practical management lines are drawn into President of Conference, Chair of District, Superintendent Minister, Minister. However, all are ministers. The [[Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches]] is non-episcopal. Similarly, the [[Congregational Methodist Church]] has a [[congregational polity]]. | ||
==Anabaptist | ==Anabaptist churches== | ||
Most [[Anabaptism|Anabaptist]] churches of the [[plain dress]] tradition follow an episcopal system, at least in name. Congregational governance is strongly emphasized, and each congregation elects its pastor. Bishops enforce inter-congregational unity and may discipline pastors for breaking from traditional norms. | Most [[Anabaptism|Anabaptist]] churches of the [[plain dress]] tradition follow an episcopal system, at least in name. Congregational governance is strongly emphasized, and each congregation elects its pastor. Bishops enforce inter-congregational unity and may discipline pastors for breaking from traditional norms. | ||
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== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints == | == The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints == | ||
Although it never uses the term, [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (informally known as the LDS Church) is episcopal, rather than presbyterian or congregational, in the sense that it has a strict hierarchy of leadership from the local bishop/branch president up to a single prophet/president, believed to be personally authorized and guided by Jesus Christ. | {{Uncited section|date=February 2026}} <!-- Please change to "Cite section" if citations are added --> | ||
Although it never uses the term, [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (informally known as the LDS Church) is episcopal, rather than presbyterian or congregational, in the sense that it has a strict hierarchy of leadership from the local bishop/branch president up to a single prophet/president, believed to be personally authorized and guided by Jesus Christ. Local congregations (branches, wards, and stakes) have ''de jure'' boundaries by which members are allocated, and membership records are centralized. This system developed gradually from a more presbyterian polity ([[Joseph Smith]]'s original title in 1830 was "First Elder") for pragmatic and doctrinal reasons, reaching a full episcopacy during the [[Nauvoo, Illinois|Nauvoo]] period (1839–1846). | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|Christianity}} | {{Portal|Christianity}} | ||
*[[ | {{div col}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Episcopal subsidy]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Bishops in Calvinism]] | ||
*[[Collegiality in the Catholic Church]] | |||
*[[Conciliarity]] | *[[Conciliarity]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Synodality]] | ||
*[[Magisterium]] | *[[Magisterium]] | ||
* [[:Category:Arian bishops]] | |||
* [[List of Unitarian bishops]] | |||
{{Div col end}} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist | {{Reflist}} | ||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
*{{cite book|last=Bannerman|first=James|title=The church of Christ : a treatise on the nature, powers, ordinances, discipline, and government of the Christian church|date=1868a|publisher=T. T. Clark|location=Edinburgh|url=https://archive.org/stream/churchofchristtr01bann|volume=1|author-link=James Bannerman (theologian)}} | *{{cite book|last=Bannerman|first=James|title=The church of Christ : a treatise on the nature, powers, ordinances, discipline, and government of the Christian church|date=1868a|publisher=T. T. Clark|location=Edinburgh|url=https://archive.org/stream/churchofchristtr01bann|volume=1|author-link=James Bannerman (theologian) |ref=none}} | ||
* {{cite book|last=Bannerman|first=James|title=The church of Christ: a treatise on the nature, powers, ordinances, discipline, and government of the Christian church|date=1868b|publisher=T. T. Clark|location=Edinburgh|url=https://archive.org/stream/churchofchristtr02bann|volume=2|author-link=James Bannerman (theologian)}} | * {{cite book|last=Bannerman|first=James|title=The church of Christ: a treatise on the nature, powers, ordinances, discipline, and government of the Christian church|date=1868b|publisher=T. T. Clark|location=Edinburgh|url=https://archive.org/stream/churchofchristtr02bann|volume=2|author-link=James Bannerman (theologian) |ref=none}} | ||
* Fairweather, E. R., and R. F. Hettlinger. ''Episcopacy and Reunion''. First English ed. London: A.R. Mowbray & Co., 1953, cop. 1952. ix, 118 p. ''N.B''.: First published in 1952 by the General Board of Religious Education of the Church of England in Canada, Toronto, Ont. | * Fairweather, E. R., and R. F. Hettlinger. ''Episcopacy and Reunion''. First English ed. London: A.R. Mowbray & Co., 1953, cop. 1952. ix, 118 p. ''N.B''.: First published in 1952 by the General Board of Religious Education of the Church of England in Canada, Toronto, Ont. | ||
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Episcopacy | volume= 9 |last=Phillips|first=Walter Alison |author-link=Walter Alison Phillips| pages = 699–701 |short= 1}} | * {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Episcopacy | volume= 9 |last=Phillips|first=Walter Alison |author-link=Walter Alison Phillips| pages = 699–701 |short= 1 |ref=none}} | ||
* Swete, H. B., ed. ''Essays on the Early History of the Church and the Ministry'', by Various Authors. London: Macmillan and Co., 1918. | * Swete, H. B., ed. ''Essays on the Early History of the Church and the Ministry'', by Various Authors. London: Macmillan and Co., 1918. | ||
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[[Category:Episcopacy in Oriental Orthodoxy]] | [[Category:Episcopacy in Oriental Orthodoxy]] | ||
[[Category:Christian terminology]] | [[Category:Christian terminology]] | ||
[[Category:Assyrian Church of the East]] | [[Category:Assyrian Church of the East]] | ||
[[Category:Ecclesiastical polities]] | [[Category:Ecclesiastical polities]] | ||