Glossary

The chief pastor and chief executive officer of The Episcopal Church, providing leadership, vision, and mission strategy. Elected by the House of Bishops and confirmed by the House of Deputies for a nine-year term.

One of the three orders of ordained ministry, the others being bishop and deacon.

A duly ordained priest serving in a congregation by appointment of the bishop, with the same canonical authority and duties of a rector but without tenure and serving only so long as the bishop directs.

In ecclesiastical terms, primacy is the status of being first, or presiding, among other bishops.

The chief bishop in an Anglican province is called its primate. In most provinces the title used is archbishop, but the title for The Episcopal Church’s primate is presiding bishop.

A church named by a diocesan bishop, typically on a temporary basis, to serve as a cathedral but which remains under the governance of its vestry and dean.

The reverent movement of participants in a liturgy from one place to another.

Variable parts of the Eucharistic liturgy and the Daily Office which are appointed for a particular day according to the season or occasion.

Lying full length and face down on the floor or ground as a gesture of humility and devotion.

1) An autonomous member church of the global Anglican Communion. 2) One of nine geographic divisions of The Episcopal Church, each comprising several dioceses for regional organization and coordination.