Presbyterie

Presbyterie, often spelled presbyterie in older Scottish usage, is the governing body of a Presbyterian church responsible for a geographic region. It sits between the local kirk session and the national General Assembly. The word derives from the biblical office of elder, or presbyter.

A presbyterie is typically made up of ministers and elected elders from the congregations within its bounds. It meets regularly to approve ordinations and installations, supervise the ministry and discipline of ministers and congregations, authorize church property transactions, and oversee broader church initiatives such as missions or education. Decisions are usually made by majority vote, with a moderator serving as chair.

The presbyterie operates under the constitution of its denomination and may appeal to higher courts or assemblies if disputes arise. In many churches, the presbyterie reports to a General Assembly or Synod, while in others it is an intermediate body within a national structure. The presbyterie covers a defined geographic area that can include several dozen or hundreds of congregations, depending on church size.

The concept developed during the Protestant Reformation, particularly in Scotland, and remains a central element of Presbyterian governance. The older spelling presbyterie appears in historical texts and some denominational names, while modern English typically uses presbytery. The term can also reflect variations in governance and naming across different Presbyterian traditions, but it generally denotes the same regional church authority.