cathedra
Bishop's official chair
A cathedra is the official chair or throne of a bishop, positioned in the principal church of a diocese.
This chair gives the cathedral its name—a cathedral is literally a church containing a bishop's seat.
The phrase *ex cathedra* (from the chair) describes pronouncements made with full official authority, especially papal declarations considered infallible in Catholic doctrine.
Diocesan clergy head
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
- seePerceive with eyes
- dioceseBishop's territorial jurisdiction
- bishopricBishop's jurisdictional district
episcopal · pontifical · mitre · crosier · ordination · consecration · apostolic · metropolitan
Ceremonial chair for sovereigns
- seatPlace for sitting
- high-backedHaving elevated rear support
- armrestsHorizontal chair extensions
- carved woodSculpted timber artwork
Vaulted church recess
- chancelAltar-adjacent clergy space
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- naveChurch's main interior
- choirOrganized group of singers
altar · transept · narthex · ambulatory · clerestory · baldachin · canopy · marble
Legal authority's scope
- dominionAuthority to rule
- seat of powerGoverning authority's location
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
- bindingLegally or morally required
definitive · proclamation · decree · ruling · doctrinal · magisterial
Senior academic post
- lectureshipAcademic teaching post
- endowedGiven natural abilities
- tenureProtected employment status
- facultyInherent power or ability
emeritus · distinguished · appointed · scholarly · department head
bishop
Diocesan clergy head
bishopric · episcopal · pontifical · mitre · crosier · ordination · consecration · apostolic · metropolitan · archbishop
throne
Ceremonial chair for sovereigns
- seatPlace for sitting
- high-backedHaving elevated rear support
- armrestsHorizontal chair extensions
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Vaulted church recess
choir · altar · transept · narthex · ambulatory · clerestory · baldachin · canopy · marble · carved
jurisdiction
Legal authority's scope
- dominionAuthority to rule
- seat of powerGoverning authority's location
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
binding · definitive · proclamation · decree · ruling · doctrinal · magisterial
professorship
Senior academic post
- lectureshipAcademic teaching post
- endowedGiven natural abilities
- tenureProtected employment status
faculty · emeritus · distinguished · appointed · scholarly · department head
cathedrapew
Worship hall seating
bench · kneeler · choir stall · footstool · floor
cathedralaity
Non-ordained church members
congregation · flock · parishioner · penitent · supplicant
cathedrafootstool
Low seat for legs
ground · dust · prostration · genuflection · submission
- St. Paul's CathedralLondon's principal Anglican church
- cathedral choirSingers in large church
- Canterbury CathedralHistoric English mother church
- European cathedralsGrand historic churches abroad
- Notre-Dame CathedralMedieval Parisian basilica
- medieval cathedralLarge historic Christian edifice