1. a system of church government in which bishops hold the chief authority; the principles and practices of episcopal church organization
Usage: religious/ecclesiastical term; often capitalized when referring to specific denominations
2. advocacy for or support of episcopal church government and authority
Usage: theological/religious context

Examples

• The Anglican Church is based on episcopalism, with bishops overseeing dioceses.
• Episcopalism emphasizes the role of bishops as successors to the apostles.
• The debate between episcopalism and congregationalism shaped Protestant church structures.
• Many Methodist churches adopted episcopalism as their form of governance.
• Episcopalism remains a central feature of Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
• The bishop's authority in episcopalism extends to ordination and discipline of clergy.