Church hierarchy varies by denomination, but here's a general overview of some common roles:

Clergy: This term encompasses all individuals ordained for religious duties, including priests, ministers, and pastors. They perform sacraments, lead services, and provide spiritual guidance.

Priest: Often found in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican churches, priests serve as mediators between God and the congregation. They perform sacraments like the Eucharist, offer confessions, and lead worship.

Bishop: A bishop oversees a group of congregations (called a diocese) and has authority over the priests and deacons within that area. They may also be responsible for ordaining new clergy and ensuring the doctrine and practices of the church are upheld.

Pastor: Typically associated with Protestant denominations, pastors lead individual congregations. They preach, provide pastoral care, and manage church activities. The term can be interchangeable with "minister" in many contexts.

Deacon: In many traditions, deacons assist bishops and priests in their duties, often focusing on service and outreach to the community.

***

A denomination refers to a distinct religious group within a larger faith tradition, particularly in Christianity. Each denomination has its own beliefs, practices, and organizational structure. For example, denominations within Christianity include Catholicism, Protestantism (which includes sub-denominations like Baptist, Methodist, and Lutheran), and Orthodox Christianity. Each denomination may interpret scriptures differently, have unique rituals, and emphasize various aspects of faith and worship.

***

In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, bishops have specific rankings and roles. Here's a general overview:

Pope: The Pope is the highest authority in the Catholic Church and oversees all bishops.

Cardinal: Cardinals are senior bishops who may lead archdioceses or serve in the Vatican. They are often involved in electing a new pope.

Archbishop: An archbishop oversees an archdiocese, which is typically a larger or more significant diocese. They may have authority over other bishops in their province.

Bishop: A bishop oversees a diocese, which is a geographical area containing multiple parishes. Bishops are responsible for teaching, governing, and sanctifying their diocese.

Auxiliary Bishop: These bishops assist a diocesan bishop, often focusing on specific areas or regions within the diocese.

Coadjutor Bishop: A coadjutor bishop is appointed to assist a diocesan bishop and has the right of succession when the bishop retires or passes away.

This ranking can vary in other Christian denominations, but this structure is common in the Catholic tradition.

***

The Holy See also called the See of Rome, Petrine See or Apostolic See, is the central governing body of the Catholic Church and the Vatican City State.