Bisschoppen

Bisschoppen are high-ranking ordained ministers in Christian churches, most prominently in the Catholic Church. The term refers to bishops, who are considered successors of the Apostles and who have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. In the Catholic Church they are entrusted with teaching the faith, governing the church, and sanctifying the faithful within a diocese or archdiocese.

Responsibilities include overseeing the liturgy (including the administration of sacraments such as Confirmation and Holy Orders), defining diocesan policy in matters of doctrine and discipline, and coordinating pastoral and charitable activities. They exercise jurisdiction through diocesan structures and may preside over important rites and ceremonies.

Types and structures: a diocesan bishop governs a diocese; an archbishop governs an archdiocese and may have metropolitan authority over a group of neighboring dioceses. Auxiliary bishops assist the diocesan bishop; coadjutor bishops are appointed to succeed them. Retired bishops hold the title emeritus. Episcopal conferences bring bishops together for regional governance.

Appointment and ordination: in the Catholic Church, bishops are appointed by the pope after consultation and discernment, and are ordained as bishops in the sacrament of Holy Orders. They pass apostolic succession to their priests and deacons. The pope’s appointment is typically preceded by consultation with local clergy, lay representatives, and the papal nuncio.

Other Christian traditions, such as Anglican and Orthodox churches, also use bishops with comparable roles, though structures and authority vary by church.