Rector

The word rector ("ruler," from the Latin regere) has a number of different meanings.

Ecclesiastical rectors

Anglican churches

In the Anglican Church, a rector is one type of parish priest. For historical reasons, some parish priests in the Church of England are called by this term while others are called vicars. Roughly speaking, the distinction was that the rector directly received the tithes of his parish, while a vicar did not, being paid instead a salary (sometimes by his diocese). The term has been re-used to designate the priest in charge of a team ministry (See also curate.)

Related Topics:
Anglican - Parish - Priest - Church of England - Vicar - Diocese - Curate

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In the Church of Ireland and Scottish Episcopal Church, most parish priests are called rectors, not vicars. Outside the British Isles the term is used more loosely. In the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, "rector" is usually used for the priest in charge of a self-sustaining parish while the priest who heads a mission?a congregation supported by the diocese?is generally called a vicar.

Related Topics:
Church of Ireland - Scottish Episcopal Church - Episcopal Church in the United States of America - Mission

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Roman Catholic Church

In the Roman Catholic Church, a rector is a priest appointed by the diocesan bishop to take charge of a church not belonging to a parish.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholic Church - Bishop - Church - Parish

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This is often the case with the cathedral (i.e. the main church inthe bishop's city of residence) of the diocese, which, in the Anglican Communion, would be headed by a dean - here the specific catholic term is Plebanus.

Related Topics:
Cathedral - Diocese - Dean

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A rector can also be in charge of the main church of a Catholic university or the church of a seminary. Rectors of those institutions have special obligations under canon law.

Related Topics:
Catholic - University - Seminary - Canon law

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