polity

Is the technical term used to identify the form of government followed by various religious traditions consisting primarily of 1) episcopacy for churches governed by bishops; 2) Presbyterianism churches governed by synods of elders or presbytersA term derived from the Greek word presbyteroi that is found in the New Testament and usually translated as “elders.” Originally it referred to lo... more; and 4) congregationalismCongregationalism religions is where each congregation governs itself. more religions where each congregation governs itself.