A users' guide for Episcopalians 

One of the three orders of ordained ministers in the church, bishops are charged with the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the church. Bishops stand in the apostolic succession, maintaining continuity in the present with the ministry of the Apostles. Diocesan bishops hold jurisdiction in their dioceses, with particular responsibility for the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the church.

In the Episcopal Church, diocesan and suffragan bishops are elected by Diocesan Convention. Diocesan bishops may be succeeded by bishops-coadjutor upon resignation of diocesan jurisdiction. Diocesan bishops may also be assisted by suffragan and assistant bishops, who have no right of succession upon the resignation of the diocesan bishop. The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane is the current bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC.