1. A form of Christian church governance in which bishops hold authority over priests and congregations; the system of church organization practiced by the Episcopal Church and other Anglican churches.
Usage: Often capitalized when referring to the specific doctrine or practice of the Episcopal Church.; Religious/theological term.
2. The beliefs, practices, and traditions of the Episcopal Church or other churches that follow an episcopal form of church organization.
Usage: Often capitalized when referring to the Episcopal Church specifically.

Examples

• Episcopalianism emphasizes the role of bishops in church leadership and decision-making.
• The Episcopal Church in the United States is based on principles of episcopalianism.
• Episcopalianism developed from the Church of England and maintains many Anglican traditions.
• Many Protestant denominations adopted episcopalianism as their form of church governance.
• The bishop's authority in episcopalianism is considered essential to the church's structure.
• Episcopalianism differs from congregational forms of church organization where individual congregations hold more power.