Episcope

Episcope is the exercise of oversight within the Church. It is the primary function of the bishop but not solely to be identified with that office.

As authority is diffuse in Anglican practice episcope may be exercised across a range of levels of office within the church. For example, the Rector of a parish will have oversight of a range of assistant ministers in which s/he acts for the bishop.

As all ministry belongs to the whole church it can also be said that episkope is a formulation of the duty of care that all Christians have for one another.

See also diakonia.