Churchy Q&A: Bishops and Primates, oh my!

As Anglicanism developed in the 16th century, it retained many of the institutional structures of the (Roman) Catholic Church. Bishops are ordained leaders of the Church, serving a particular diocese as a pastor, teacher, and administrator. The leader of a national church or province in the Anglican Communion is known as a primate, presiding bishop, or archbishop.

The Archbishop of Canterbury (currently Rowan Williams) is the Primate of All England and is also known as primus inter pares: first among equals. Although he does not have authority over other archbishops, his role as the Archbishop is given respect.