A middle judicatory is an administrative structure or organization found in a religious denominations between the local congregation and the widest or highest national or international level. The term is meant to be neutral with regard to polity, though it derives from Presbyterianism where the local, regional and national bodies are themselves respectively higher courts.
Depending on the polity, the middle judicatory can have decisive authority over a local church, can offer standing for clergy members but little or no control over congregations, can offer counsel and services but no authority, or can serve as an informal vehicle for fellowship and communication.
Read more about Middle Judicatory: Church of England, Church of Scotland, Episcopal Church in The United States of America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Presbyterian Church (USA), Roman Catholic Church, United Church of Canada, United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist Association
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