Glossary of Terms

Access a full dictionary of Episcopal terminology

ANGLICAN COMMUNION: Churches around the world that are in communion with each other and with the See of Canterbury, (i.e., Church of England) and that hold the same faith, order, and worship. According to the Anglican Consultative Council, the Anglican Communion is composed of 38 autonomous churches together with a small group of extra-provincial dioceses and approximately 85 million members. There are Anglican congregations or jurisdictions in more than 160 countries. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

BISHOP: The third of the three orders of ordained ministry (deacon, priest, bishop). The major functions are to preside over a diocese, consecrate to the episcopate, ordain to the ministry, administer confirmation, and administer ecclesiastical discipline. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

BISHOP SUFFRAGAN: A bishop elected to assist the bishop of a diocese but without the right of succession to the office. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

CANON: A law of the church set forth by an ecclesiastical council or convention. This term also refers to a person who is connected to a cathedral, usually a staff priest, or a priest of some other high standing. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

CURATE: newly ordained members of the clergy serving in their first position

DEACON: The first of the three orders of ordained ministry (deacon, priest, bishop). Deacons function in most liturgical and pastoral ministries – not in consecrating the elements – and often assist priests in some way. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

DIOCESE: The territorial limits of jurisdiction of a diocesan bishop. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

EUCHARIST: From the Greek word for "giving of thanks," this refers to the service of Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper as a sacrifice of praise or thanksgiving. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was ordained by Jesus Christ for the continued remembrance of the sacrifice of his death. It may also be called the Mass, Divine Liturgy, Blessed Sacrament, or Holy Sacrifice. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

LITURGY: The rites and text of worship that serves as the foundation of Episcopal theology

MISSION: Worshiping community generally of a smaller size (in the Diocese of North Carolina, less than 100 members)

PARISH: Worshiping community of a size larger than a mission (in the Diocese of North Carolina, more than 100 members)

PRESIDING BISHOP: The chief executive, primate, and spiritual leader of the church and the president of the Executive Council and House of Bishops. He or she is elected by the House of Bishops with confirmation by the House of Deputies for a term of 9 years, and when elected, he/she must resign his/her jurisdiction. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

PRIEST: The second of the three orders of ordained ministry (deacon, priest, bishop). The word is a shortened form of “presbyter,” or elder. Priests officiate at any of the sacraments and services of worship other than confirmation, ordination, and consecration. (from the “Brief Dictionary of Terms” from The Episcopal Church)

VESTMENTS: Garments worn by those conducting a worship service. Those commonly worn by bishops in services such as ordinations, baptisms or confirmations include a mitre (hat) and cope (cape). Traditional vestments for bishops include the rochet (white underrobe), chimere (red or black overrobe) and stole (scarf).

VICAR: Priest-in-charge of a mission