A senior Christian clergy member responsible for overseeing a regional diocese or group of churches.
What bishops do
Bishops ordain priests and deacons, lead confirmations, oversee the priests of their diocese, set pastoral priorities, administer church property and finances, and represent the church publicly. Many also serve on national and international church councils.
Training path
Most bishops earn a Master of Divinity, serve as priests or pastors for many years, and are then elected or appointed by their denomination. Catholic bishops are appointed by the Pope; Episcopal and Lutheran bishops are elected by clergy and lay representatives.
Work setting
Catholic dioceses, Episcopal dioceses, Lutheran synods, Methodist conferences, and Orthodox dioceses all have bishops at their head. Larger dioceses host cathedrals, pastoral centers, and tribunals where bishops conduct day-to-day governance.
Find more professions by letter
Bishop starts with B and ends with P. Browse other professions along the same letter.
Professions that contain a letter from "Bishop":