PRELACY Meaning and
Definition
-
Prelacy refers to a form of church government or ecclesiastical organization which is characterized by a hierarchical structure and the presence of bishops or prelates who hold authority within the religious institution. Derived from the Latin term "prelatus" meaning "superior," prelacy is commonly associated with institutions such as the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and some other Protestant denominations.
In a system of prelacy, bishops play a central role in overseeing the administration, governance, and spiritual affairs of the church. They are ordained ministers with a higher ecclesiastical rank, exercising authority over a specific jurisdiction known as a diocese or a bishopric. Often, they are responsible for ordaining priests and deacons, conducting religious services, and providing pastoral care to their congregations.
Prelacy stands in contrast to other systems of church governance, such as presbyterianism or congregationalism, where decision-making authority is more distributed or democratic. Under prelacy, bishops typically hold a higher level of authority and power, serving as the head or senior figure within their respective churches.
The term "prelacy" can also be used more broadly to refer to the entire system or institution of episcopal governance within a particular religious tradition. It encompasses the collective body of bishops, their structures, rules, and practices that define the hierarchical organization and leadership of the church.
-
Episcopacy; the order of bishops.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PRELACY
Etymology of PRELACY
The word "prelacy" is derived from the Latin word "praelatus", which means "one who has been placed in a position of authority" or "one who has been preferred". In medieval Latin, it specifically referred to a high-ranking clergyman or bishop. From Latin, it entered into Old French as "prelacie", and later into Middle English as "prelacie" or "prelacy". The term is often used to describe a system of church governance where bishops hold spiritual authority and hierarchical power.
Similar spelling words for PRELACY
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
