Episcopaals

Episcopaals is a Dutch term used to describe matters related to episcopacy, the form of church governance in which bishops hold authority. The word derives from the Greek episkopos, meaning “overseer,” and is used to refer to structures, offices, and practices associated with bishops. In Dutch, episcopaals denotes both the organizational principle (episcopal polity) and the institutions that operate under it, such as dioceses and cathedrals, as well as church bodies perceived as episcopal in character.

Episcopal governance is characterized by hierarchical oversight by bishops who exercise sacramental, pastoral, and administrative authority within a diocese. In many churches, bishops form an episcopate, with roles such as archbishop or metropolitan coordinating several dioceses. Apostolic succession is often cited as a justification for episcopal authority in traditions that uphold it.

Denominations with episcopal polities include the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (including the Church of England and the Episcopal Church in the United States), and several Eastern Orthodox and some Lutheran bodies. In contrast, presbyterian churches are governed by elected elders, and congregational churches govern themselves independently.

Historically, episcopacy traces to the early Christian communities, with bishops seen as successors to the apostles. Over centuries, the structure evolved into formal hierarchies in many regions, while reforms and schisms produced variations in the role of bishops and the balance of authority between bishops, other clergy, and lay bodies.

Today, the term episcopaals remains common in Dutch-language discourse on church governance, used to describe churches with episcopal structures or the concept of the episcopate more generally.