Legal Definitions - episcopacy

Definition: Episcopacy is a term used in Ecclesiastical law to refer to:

1. The office of a bishop.
2. A form of church government by bishops.
3. An office of overseeing or supervising.

Examples:

• When a bishop is appointed to lead a diocese, they assume the episcopacy of that region.
• The Anglican Church is an example of a church that practices episcopacy, where bishops have authority over their respective dioceses.
• In some organizations, there may be an episcopacy that oversees the work of various departments or committees.

The examples illustrate the different ways in which the term "episcopacy" can be used. The first example shows how the term can refer to the office of a bishop, while the second example demonstrates how it can be used to describe a specific form of church government. The third example shows how the term can be used more broadly to refer to any office of overseeing or supervising.