episcopat

Episcopate, or episcopacy, refers to the office and jurisdiction of bishops within Christian churches, and to the collective body of bishops in a given tradition. The term derives from the Greek episkopos, meaning "overseer." In ecclesiology, the episcopate denotes both the office and its supervisory authority, contrasted with the priestly and diaconal orders.

Bishops are typically ordained clergy who hold the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and have the authority to ordain priests and deacons, to confirm, and to oversee the administration of sacraments. They teach, govern, and shepherd the faithful within a diocese or eparchy, supervise liturgical life, and preside at councils or synods within their jurisdiction. The concept also encompasses apostolic succession, the belief that bishops derive their authority in an unbroken line from the apostles.

Historically, the early Christian church organized around episcopal oversight at local and regional levels. Over time, the model of the monarchical episcopate strengthened in many traditions, with bishops as the primary governors of a diocese and metropolitan or archbishop titles indicating higher see authority. The idea of apostolic succession remains central to the legitimacy of bishops in Catholic, Orthodox, and many Anglican and Lutheran churches.

Different Christian traditions retain different governance structures. Catholic, Orthodox, and many Anglican and Lutheran bodies maintain episcopal structures with bishops in hierarchical networks. Other Protestant churches employ presbyteral, congregational, or mixed polities. The episcopate can include roles such as metropolitan or archbishop, and, in some contexts, regional episcopal conferences to coordinate doctrine and discipline.

In contemporary use, the episcopate is associated with the continuity of teaching, governance, and sacramental life. Debates over the scope of episcopal authority and the ordination of women reflect ongoing variation among Christian communions.