Episcopal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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episcopal
[ɪˈpɪs.kə.pəl ]
Definition
religious governance
The term 'episcopal' pertains to a hierarchical system of church governance headed by bishops. It highlights an ecclesiastical structure where bishops have oversight over a group of churches or congregations. In many Christian denominations, the episcopal polity is characterized by the authority and roles of bishops in administering sacraments and guiding the spiritual life of the church. This governance model is notably found in traditions such as Anglicanism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy.
Synonyms
bishopric, clerical, hierarchical.
Examples of usage
- The Episcopal Church embraces an episcopal form of governance.
- He was ordained in an episcopal ceremony last year.
- Their beliefs are rooted in an episcopal tradition.
- The conference included representatives from various episcopal bodies.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religion
- The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, which traces its roots back to the Church of England.
- Missions and social justice play major roles in the Episcopal tradition, focusing on outreach and community service.
History
- The separation of the Episcopal Church from the Church of England occurred around the time of the American Revolution when colonists wanted to establish their own church authority.
- The first American Episcopal bishop, Samuel Seabury, was consecrated in 1784 in Scotland.
Culture
- The Episcopal Church is known for its inclusive stance on issues like gender and sexual orientation, making it a progressive denomination in the landscape of Christianity.
- Liturgical music and beautiful services are hallmarks of the Episcopal worship experience, often attracting those interested in tradition and ritual.
Education
- Episcopal schools emphasize academic excellence alongside moral and spiritual development.
- Many famous universities and colleges in the U.S. have Episcopal roots, promoting a blend of faith and learning.
Origin of 'episcopal'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek word 'episkopos,' meaning 'overseer' or 'bishop'.
- It was adopted into Old French as 'episcopal', which then influenced Middle English.
The word 'episcopal' comes from the Latin 'episcopus', which itself is derived from the Greek word 'episkopos', meaning 'overseer'. The early Christian church adopted this structure during the first few centuries AD. The role of bishops as overseers emerged in response to the need for a formal leadership structure within the growing Christian communities. This model distinguished between various levels of clergy, establishing a system in which bishops would supervise multiple congregations. As Christianity spread and evolved, the episcopal system became more solidified, particularly in Western Christianity. The term 'episcopal' has since been used to describe specific church governance and is often associated with certain denominations, particularly those where bishops have a significant role in ecclesiastical authority.