Arkkipiispa

Arkkipiispa, or archbishop in Finnish, is the title given to the highest-ranking bishop in several Christian traditions. The term combines roots meaning “chief” and “bishop,” and it is used to denote a primate or metropolitan bishop who has special authority within a church structure.

In Finland, arkkipiispa denotes the primate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF), the country’s national church. The office is associated with Turku Cathedral, which serves as the traditional see. The archbishop acts as the spiritual leader and public face of the church, and chairs key governing bodies within the ELCF, guiding doctrine, liturgical life, and mission in cooperation with other bishops. The archbishop also engages in ecumenical relations and represents the church in public and international contexts.

Election and tenure procedures vary by church tradition, but in Finland the arkkipiispa is elected by the church’s representative bodies for a defined term, with the possibility of reappointment in some cases. The position embodies a leadership role that aims to unite diocesan bishops and clergy around common pastoral and doctrinal aims, while respecting the subordinate authority of regional bishops.

In broader Christian usage, archbishop is a common title for the senior bishop who has metropolitan authority over an archdiocese or a group of dioceses. In many contexts, archbishops preside over synods, represent the church in ecumenical affairs, and oversee church governance at a higher level than ordinary bishops. The exact powers and duties vary by denomination and national church law.