Bishop

A bishop (Greek episkopos an overseer) is a high-ranking member of the clergy, present in many Christian churches, including Catholic, Orthodox and certain Protestant denominations. A primate is usually the highest-ranking bishop in a particular region or within the boundaries of a nation-state. In the early history of the Church, bishops were frequently subject to persecution, including torture. A favorite Roman penalty for bishops who refused to denounce their Christian beliefs was flogging.

He (or she in more liberal denominations) traditionally wears a miter and oversees a diocese. In some churches, a bishop is regarded as part of the apostolic succession.^{[Citation Needed]}