Dean (Christianity)

A dean, in an ecclesiastical context, is a cleric holding certain positions of authority within a religious hierarchy.

[citation needed] Latin decanus should not be confused with Greek diákonos (διάκονος),[2] from which the word deacon derives, which describes a supportive role.

Except for presiding and delegating administrative tasks, they have no authority over the cardinals, acting as primus inter pares (first among equals).

[citation needed] The title "dean" is conferred upon a parish priest who serves as a senior figure, though usually without specific jurisdictional authority, over a section of a diocese.

[3] These are sometimes referred to as "rural deans", and are expected to show a degree of leadership among the priests of the region, known as a deanery.

An episcopal vicar serves a similar function, but has more formal authority and specific powers under canon law.

[citation needed] Another important use of the term within the Catholic Church is in the office of the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who serves as senior member of that body.

[citation needed] In many parts of the Anglican Communion, parishes are grouped together to form deaneries, each being a constituent administrative district of the diocese.

[citation needed] The head of an Anglican theological college or seminary may also be called a dean (in common with its use in education).

In the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, there are also deans in charge of leading the administrative work and personnel of the Chapters.