Bishopelect

Bishopelect is a term used to describe a person who has been elected or appointed to become a bishop but has not yet been consecrated as one. The form bishop-elect (or bishop elect) signals a transitional status within episcopal governance. In some sources the term appears as a single word, but its meaning remains the same: the office is anticipated but not yet active.

Usage and variations by denomination: In the Catholic Church, a bishop-elect has been chosen by appropriate authorities and awaits episcopal ordination. In the Anglican Communion and some other denominations with episcopal governance, a bishop-elect is the candidate who has been elected or appointed and is preparing for consecration. The exact procedures—who nominates, who approves, and the timeline before consecration—vary by church tradition and jurisdiction.

Process and implications: The path to becoming a bishop normally begins with vacancy in a diocese or a formal vacancy of governance. A candidate undergoes canonical or doctrinal review, approval by the relevant authority, and then consecration as a bishop. During the bishop-elect phase, the individual typically does not exercise full episcopal authority and may retain previous clerical duties while preparation for ordination proceeds.

Terminology and distinctions: The term emphasizes that the person is not yet a bishop in the full sense. Some churches prefer alternatives such as bishop-designate, or simply refer to the individual by name pending ordination. After consecration, the person permanently assumes the episcopal office and its responsibilities.

See also: bishop, episcopal consecration, episcopal election, ordination.