head of church
Top religious authority
The head of church is the person holding supreme authority over a religious denomination or organization.
In Roman Catholicism, this is the Pope; in the Church of England, the British monarch holds the title.
Protestant denominations vary—some recognize a human leader, others hold that Christ alone is head of the church.
- popeCatholic Church's supreme leader
- Holy SeePapal governing authority
- papal authorityPope's ruling capacity
- bishopDiocesan clergy head
- patriarchMale head of family
cardinal · archbishop · pontiff · spiritual leader · pastor · reverend · minister · clergy · religious authority · Vatican · diocese · parish · pulpit · mitre · vestments · cathedral · congregation · shepherd
head of churchparish priest
Local church leader
curate · deacon · novice · seminarian · acolyte
head of churchlayperson
Non-specialist or unordained person
parishioner · congregant · laity · flock · follower
head, heads, headed, heading, headings, header, headers, headless, headship