Autocephaly

Autocephaly (/ɔːtəˈsɛfəli/; from Greek αὐτοκεφαλία (autokephalia) 'self-headed') is the status of a hierarchical Christian church whose head bishop does not report to any higher-ranking bishop. The term is primarily used in Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches. The status has been compared with that of the churches (provinces) within the Anglican Communion.