Search results
An episcopal polity is a hierarchical form of church governance ("ecclesiastical polity") in which the chief local authorities are called bishops. The word "bishop" here is derived via the British Latin and Vulgar Latin term *ebiscopus / *biscopus, from the Ancient Greek ἐπίσκοπος epískopos meaning "overseer".
Episcopal polity is the predominant pattern in Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Anglican churches. It is common in some Methodist and Lutheran churches, as well as amongst some of the African-American Pentecostal traditions such as the Church of God in Christ and the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship .
People also ask
What is an episcopal polity?
Which church exemplifies episcopal polity?
What is the difference between episcopal and Presbyterian polity?
Who is the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church?
The Episcopal Church ( TEC ), based in the United States with additional dioceses elsewhere, is a member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is a mainline Protestant denomination and is divided into nine provinces. The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church is Michael Bruce Curry, the first African American bishop to serve in that ...
Episcopal polity. Episcopal refers to a form of church government in which the office of Bishop is a key authoritative role. The word episcopal is from the Greek word for bishop. In this system, the local church is part of a hierarchy of clergy who oversee and govern the church denomination.
Episcopal polity describes a church in which the source of authority is the college of bishops, typically bishops within the historic episcopate. Presbyterian polity describes a church in which the source of authority is considered to be a synod of presbyters. In Anglican churches, bishops share power with presbyters and laity under a constitution.
Page Contents. An episcopal polity is a hierarchical form of church governance (“ecclesiastical polity”) in which the chief local authorities are called bishops. (The word “bishop” derives, via the British Latin and Vulgar Latin term *ebiscopus / *biscopus, from the Ancient Greek ἐπίσκοπος epískopos meaning “overseer”.)
Church polity. The Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches are organized around the office of the bishop. As the development of the episcopacy has been covered above (under Evolution of the episcopal office ), this section will examine the organization of the Reformation churches.
