bisdom

A bisdom, or diocese, is a territorial unit of certain Christian churches overseen by a bishop. It comprises a community of parishes and the clergy who serve them, and serves as the main organizational division for pastoral governance, liturgy, and administration.

The bishop exercises spiritual and administrative authority within the diocese, including sacramental oversight, pastoral guidance, and the appointment of parish priests and deacons. The diocese typically has a cathedral, the bishop’s principal church, and a diocesan curia that supports governance through offices such as a vicar general, chancellor, and finance and education departments.

Parishes are the local communities within a diocese, each administered by its own parish priest or pastor. The bishop and the diocesan leadership coordinate programs in catechesis, youth ministry, schools and charitable works, and safeguarding initiatives. Dioceses may also oversee religious orders and other institutions within their territory.

Dioceses are often grouped into larger structures known as archdioceses or metropolitan sees, led by archbishops who may have oversight over a group of neighboring dioceses. Boundaries of a diocese can be adjusted by ecclesiastical authority and, in some countries, align with civil administrative divisions.

The concept dates from the early Christian church and remains a central element of episcopal governance in many traditions, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern churches. Differences exist in how dioceses are organized and how authority is exercised across denominations.