Definition

Noun: 1. An assistant or subordinate bishop in a diocese: A bishop who assists a diocesan bishop in their duties but does not have ordinary jurisdiction over the diocese. The role is often defined within the hierarchical structure of certain Christian churches, such as the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.

Examples of Usage

• The Archbishop was supported by a suffragan who managed many pastoral visits.
• The diocese appointed a new suffragan to help with the growing number of parishes.
• In the Anglican church, a suffragan bishop is a bishop without the right of succession to the diocesan see.

Advanced Usage

• Suffragan See: Refers to the diocese or area over which a suffragan bishop has titular authority, though they remain subordinate to the metropolitan or diocesan bishop.
  • He was appointed to the suffragan see of Somewhereton.

Variants and Related Words

• Suffragan Bishop: A more precise and common term with the same meaning as "suffragan."
  • The ceremony installed the new suffragan bishop.
• Suffraganism: (Rare) The system or office of being a suffragan.

Synonyms

• Assistant bishop
• Subordinate bishop
• Auxiliary bishop (Note: In some church structures, "auxiliary bishop" may have specific canonical differences from "suffragan," but they are often used synonymously in general contexts.)

Related Phrases

• Bishop Suffragan: An alternative term with the same meaning, often used in formal titles.
  • The Right Reverend John Smith, Bishop Suffragan of Exampleford.

Noun

1. an assistant or subordinate bishop of a diocese