episcopal

Episcopal is an adjective meaning "of a bishop" and a noun used to describe churches and individuals associated with episcopal governance. The term derives from the Greek episkopos meaning overseer, via Latin episcopus. In Christianity, episcopal refers to churches governed by bishops and to liturgical and sacramental practices that trace authority through an unbroken sequence of bishops, known as apostolic succession.

Episcopal churches are organized territorially into dioceses led by bishops, with priests and deacons assisting. Bishops oversee ordinations, confirm congregants, and provide pastoral and doctrinal oversight. In many traditions, the episcopal form is one among several systems of church governance, contrasted with congregational and presbyterian models.

Globally, "episcopal" is used in Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox contexts, though its precise meaning varies. In the Anglican Communion, diocesan bishops enjoy authority in a national or regional church. The Episcopal Church in the United States uses the term to describe its governance and heritage as an American member church of the Anglican Communion.

The Episcopal Church (TEC) is the American member church of the Anglican Communion. It traces its roots to the Church of England and established its own structure after the American Revolution. TEC governs itself through a General Convention, consisting of a House of Bishops and a House of Deputies, with a presiding bishop as national spiritual leader. It uses the Book of Common Prayer and recognizes seven sacraments, with a tradition of broad inclusion in ordination and marriage practices across its dioceses.

The term is also used in other countries for churches with episcopal governance, and many people describe themselves as Episcopalians.