suffragan bishop

Christianity

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July 15, 2026

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A suffragan bishop is a bishop who assists a diocesan bishop. In the Anglican Communion, a suffragan bishop is a full-time assistant to a diocesan bishop. In the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, a suffragan bishop is subordinate to a metropolitan. An Anglican or Episcopal suffragan bishop assists a diocesan bishop and does not have the right of succession. The term originates from Medieval Latin, meaning \"serving in a subordinate capacity\".12

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history of Europe
Ecclesiastical organization
…administrative courts, and supervising the suffragan bishops (bishops assigned to assist in the administration of the archdiocese). The archbishop was expected to make regular visits to the ecclesiastical institutions in his province and to hear appeals from the verdicts of courts at lower levels.
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…administrative courts, and supervising the suffragan bishops (bishops assigned to assist in the administration of the archdiocese). The archbishop was expected to make regular visits to the ecclesiastical institutions in his province and to hear appeals from the verdicts of courts at lower levels.
Read More