Prelacy
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of ecclesiastical dignitaries.
(2): ( n.) The office or dignity of a prelate; church government by prelates.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [2]
As might have been expected, the lofty claim of the pope was resisted; but he had the address to defend his usurped authority against all opposition, and proudly proclaimed himself "the successor of St. Peter, set up by God to govern, not only the Church, but the whole world." The gradations of ecclesiastical organization through which prelacy has passed are from congregational to parochial, parochial to diocesan, diocesan to metropolitan, metropolitan to patriarchal, patriarchal to papal-from the humble pastor of a little flock to the pope of Rome, the supreme and universal prelate of the Church of Christ on earth. See Coleman, Prelacy and Ritualism; National Repository, Feb. 1878 (Ex Cathedra). (L.C.)
