Government of the church by bishops; church government by three distinct orders of ministers -- bishops, priests, and deacons -- of whom the bishops have an authority superior and of a different kind.
The highest level of the sacrament of Holy Order. Those who are ordained to the episcopacy are called "bishops". The word is derived from episkopos, meaning "overseer".
system of Church government by bishops
The system of church polity whereby bishops serve as general superintendents and exercise certain authority within the denomination.
The order of bishops in the Church (from Gr. episkopos, "overseer"). See also BISHOP.
The office of a bishop, the period of time during which he or she holds the office, or bishops as a group.
An office within United Methodist organization whereby bishops serve as general superintendents and exercise certain authority within the denomination. In The United Methodist Church, this authority is constitutional, but subject to definition by the General Conference.
