Diocese/Archdiocese

[Adammi]

Could someone please explain the entire concept of them?
Are all Dioceses included within an Archdiocese?
I've never really read about them and their differences, please explain.

~Thanks
Adam

 

[Adammi]

bump

 

[Dream]

A diocese is run by a bishop. An archdiocese is a larger diocese that is run by an archbishop.

 

[Paul S]

Usually, the largest diocese in an area is called the archdiocese. In the US, it's the largest in each one or two states. The archbishop's job, besides running his own diocese, is to co-ordinate things between all the bishops in that area. He can't tell the other bishops what to do in their own dioceses, but he sets up meetings and that sort of thing.

 

[Axion]

Historically a Bishop presided over the Church in a city and its surrounding area.

An Archbishop presided over a Province made up of several bishoprics. He didn't rule the Bishops under him as a boss, since all Bishops are technically equals, however he summoned meetings or synods, and played a leading role pastorally. He could also organize inspections and visitations to ensure that the Bishoprics were being run correctly.

Today the national conferences of Bishops play a far greater role in administration and decision-making.

 

[Archbishop 10-K]

An archdiocese is basically a diocese with an honorary title. An archdiocese is run by an archbishop. However, an archbishop doesn't have direct authority over bishops who aren't in his diocese.

For example, the archdiocese of New York can't boss the neighboring diocese of Smallville around, nor does New York Archbishop Gloriosus III have the authority to send Smallville Bishop Bob off to a remote base chapel in Alaska.