Middle judicatory
Encyclopedia
A middle judicatory is an administrative structure or organization found in a religious denomination
s between the local congregation and the widest or highest national or international level. The term is meant to be neutral with regard to polity
, though it derives from Presbyterianism
where the local, regional and national bodies are themselves respectively higher court
s.
Depending on the polity, the middle judicatory can have decisive authority over a local church, can offer standing for clergy members but little or no control over congregations, can offer counsel and services but no authority, or can serve as an informal vehicle for fellowship and communication.
Religious denomination
A religious denomination is a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity.The term describes various Christian denominations...
s between the local congregation and the widest or highest national or international level. The term is meant to be neutral with regard to polity
Polity
Polity is a form of government Aristotle developed in his search for a government that could be most easily incorporated and used by the largest amount of people groups, or states...
, though it derives from Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism refers to a number of Christian churches adhering to the Calvinist theological tradition within Protestantism, which are organized according to a characteristic Presbyterian polity. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures,...
where the local, regional and national bodies are themselves respectively higher court
Court
A court is a form of tribunal, often a governmental institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with the rule of law...
s.
Depending on the polity, the middle judicatory can have decisive authority over a local church, can offer standing for clergy members but little or no control over congregations, can offer counsel and services but no authority, or can serve as an informal vehicle for fellowship and communication.
Church of Scotland
- Synods and Presbyteries of the Church of Scotland
Episcopal Church in the United States of America
- Dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States of AmericaDioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States of AmericaThe Episcopal Church is governed by a General Convention and consists of 100 dioceses in the United States proper, plus ten dioceses in other countries or outlying U.S. territories and the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, which is similar to a diocese....
- Provinces of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Roman Catholic Church
United Church of Canada
- Conferences of the United Church of Canada
- Presbyteries of the United Church of Canada
United Church of Christ
- Associations of the United Church of ChristAssociations of the United Church of ChristMost of the thirty-nine conferences of the United Church of Christ are subdivided into associations, which are themselves made of local churches. Those conferences without associations include their roles in their own work.* Northern California Nevada Conference...
- Conferences of the United Church of ChristConferences of the United Church of ChristThere are 38 Conferences in the United Church of Christ. Most of these consist of associations and all consist of congregations, formally known as "Local Churches."...