Landesbischof

Landesbischof is a title used in several Protestant regional churches in German-speaking countries to designate the presiding bishop of a Landeskirche, the territorial or state church of a particular region. The term reflects historical ties between church organization and the political-territorial structure of a country. While the exact duties and scope vary by church, the office generally denotes the highest episcopal authority within a regional church.

The Landesbischof serves as the church’s spiritual leader and public representative. Typical responsibilities include oversight of doctrinal and liturgical standards, leadership of the church governance bodies, and participation in ecumenical and state-related affairs. In many landeskirchen, the Landesbischof chairs the synod or church council and has a central role in appointing other church officials or supervising senior pastors and bishops within the region.

Election and tenure are set by the respective church body, usually a Landessynode or equivalent assembly, and terms are commonly multi-year with possibilities for renewal. The office is distinct from secular political offices, though the Landesbischof often engages with state authorities on matters of religion, education, and culture.

Geographical usage varies among the German-speaking churches. The title is prominently used, for example, in the Evangelical Church in Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia (EKBO). Other landeskirchen may prefer the title Bischof or use Landesbischof depending on historical tradition and structure. In all cases, the Landesbischof represents the regional church in both internal leadership and public-facing roles.