What office is held by bishops within the Church?

Bishops hold the office known as Episcopacy within the Church. This term specifically refers to the role and authority of bishops, who are responsible for overseeing, guiding, and shepherding a diocese or a particular group of churches. The concept of Episcopacy emphasizes the hierarchical structure and leadership role that bishops play in maintaining church order, doctrine, and pastoral care.

In many Christian traditions, bishops are seen as successors to the apostles and are entrusted with the sacraments and the teaching of faith. This role is distinct and carries different responsibilities compared to presbytery, elderhood, and priesthood. While presbytery often refers to a governing body of elders or ministers, elderhood emphasizes the role of leadership among a group of elders without the specific sacramental authority held by bishops. The priesthood relates to those who celebrate the sacraments and lead worship but does not capture the higher level of authority and oversight that bishops embody. Thus, Episcopacy is the most accurate term for the office held by bishops within the Church.