Dean (religion)

In religious terminology, a dean is a title accorded to persons holding cartain positions of authority within a religious heirarchy. It is used mainly in the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.

Anglican Communion

In the Anglican Communion the dean is the chief resident clergyperson of a cathedral or other collegiate church and the head of the chapter of canons. Some influential deaneries include the Dean of St Paul's and the Dean of Canterbury.

Related Topics:
Anglican Communion - Cathedral - Dean of St Paul's - Dean of Canterbury

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A dean may also be the head of a group of parishes within a diocese called a deanery. In the Church of England, this official is called a rural dean or sometimes in urban areas an "area dean".

Related Topics:
Diocese - Deanery - Church of England - Rural dean

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The head of an Anglican theological college or seminary may also be called a dean.

Related Topics:
Theological college

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