ABSTRACT
The presence of the teaching seat or throne of the bishop defines the status of a church as a cathedral church, this is a principle of ancient canon law, one which survived the English Reformation. This chapter examines the process leading to enthronement of a bishop in the cathedral, the functions of the bishop associated with the cathedral, including the jurisdiction exercised by the bishop as its visitor, and the role of the bishop in enforcing compliance with the legal standards set for the care and maintenance of the cathedral fabric. The Church of England teaches that from the apostles' time there have been three orders in Christ's Church: bishops, priests and deacons; and the order of bishops is an essential of Anglican identity, ministry and polity. The Archbishops' Commission 1994 recommended continuation as to cathedrals of the bishop's 'formal powers of visitation'.
