episcopacy

/ɪˈpɪskəpəsi/
noun
  1. The system of church government by bishops.
    • The episcopacy has been a central feature of the Anglican Church for centuries.
    • Some Christian denominations reject the episcopacy in favor of a more congregational structure.
    • The history of the episcopacy in England is closely tied to the monarchy.
  2. The office or term of a bishop.
    • He served his episcopacy with dedication and humility.
    • The cathedral was built during the episcopacy of Bishop William.
    • Her episcopacy lasted for over twenty years in the diocese.
  3. Bishops as a group.
    • In some traditions, the episcopacy holds the highest authority in the church.
    • The episcopacy gathered for their annual meeting to discuss church policies.
    • The episcopacy issued a joint statement on social justice.
Synonyms
What does "episcopacy" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean