the way in which a church or denomination structures its organization and carries out its practice. Historically the three most common polities are: hierarchical (Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican), presbyterial (Presbyterian churches), and congregational (Baptist, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ).
the form of government of a social organization
a politically organized unit
a group with an organized governance
a set of institutions for setting the basic rules for a society as a whole and of enforcing these rules
pattern of arrangements for the exercise of legitimate authority in an organization
the organization or structure used by a religious group
(1) the form of government of a nation, state, church, or organization, (2) an organized society, such as a nation, having a specific form of government.
The term is derived from the Greek word for "city." In ecclesiastical use polity has come to refer also to the form of government for an organized church. Episcopal polity describes a church in which the source of authority is the college of bishops, typically bishops within the historic episcopate. In Anglican churches, bishops share power with presbyters and laity under a constitution.
rules and procedures of church/religious governance and organization
An organized society, such as a state or nation, having a specific form of government.
An organized society; a state or quasistate; any form of politico-social organization.