Bishops and Archbishops

In some Christian churches, a bishop is the leader of all the Christians and priests in the area.

The area that a bishop leads is called a diocese. Christian priests in some communities must be made priests by bishops. In these communities, bishops are above parish priests in the church’s organization.

Some bishops of higher rank are called archbishops. The most senior bishop in the Church of England has the title Archbishop of Canterbury.

Some Protestant groups have no bishops or archbishops.

This photograph shows the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally. She is the first woman ever to be Archbishop of Canterbury. In this photo, from earlier in her career, she is wearing the robes of the Bishop of London.