Suffragan: meaning, definitions and examples
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suffragan
[ ˈsʌfrəgən ]
religious title
A suffragan is a bishop in the Anglican Church who is subordinate to a diocesan bishop and has the responsibility for assisting in the administration of a diocese. Suffragans may also oversee specific areas within a diocese or serve particular functions, such as ministering to specific communities or overseeing church schools. The term is mainly used in the context of the Church of England and other Anglican denominations. Suffragans play an important role in the church's hierarchical structure, ensuring that the needs of congregations are met and that church functions are carried out effectively.
Synonyms
assistant bishop, auxiliary bishop.
Examples of usage
- The suffragan bishop attended the confirmation service.
- In the diocese, the suffragan is responsible for rural parishes.
- She was appointed as a suffragan to support the main bishop.
- Suffragans often represent the bishop at various functions.
Translations
Translations of the word "suffragan" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sufrágano
🇮🇳 सहायक बिशप
🇩🇪 Suffragan
🇮🇩 sufragan
🇺🇦 суперфіційний
🇵🇱 sufragan
🇯🇵 補佐司教
🇫🇷 suffragant
🇪🇸 sufragáneo
🇹🇷 sufragan
🇰🇷 보좌 주교
🇸🇦 أسقف مساعد
🇨🇿 sufragán
🇸🇰 sufragán
🇨🇳 辅助主教
🇸🇮 sufragan
🇮🇸 sufragan
🇰🇿 суперфіційный
🇬🇪 სუფრაგანი
🇦🇿 sufragan
🇲🇽 sufragáneo
Etymology
The word 'suffragan' originates from the Latin term 'suffraganeus,' which means 'assistant' or 'subordinate.' This Latin term derives from 'suffragare,' meaning 'to support or assist.' The word has been used since the 12th century to denote bishops who assist the main bishops of a diocese within the Christian church, particularly within the Anglican tradition. Historically, the role of suffragans evolved as the needs of the church expanded, necessitating additional leadership and support structures within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Similarly, in medieval ecclesiology, suffragans were often appointed to handle the increasing administrative responsibilities of growing dioceses. The concept has remained significant throughout the history of the Christian church, reflecting the dynamic nature of church governance and the importance of collaborative leadership in addressing the pastoral needs of the faithful.