prelature
/ˈprɛlətʃər/
noun
- The rank, office, or term of a prelate (a high-ranking member of the clergy, such as a bishop or archbishop).
- Her appointment to the prelature was celebrated by the entire church community.
- The responsibilities of the prelature include overseeing multiple dioceses.
- He was elevated to the prelature after serving as a bishop for ten years.
- A group of prelates considered collectively; the body of high-ranking clergy.
- Decisions made by the prelature often affect millions of worshippers.
- The prelature has historically held significant political influence.
- The prelature gathered to discuss reforms in church governance.
Synonyms