The origins of episcopacy are obscure, but by the 2nd century ad it was becoming established in the main centres of Christianity. It was closely tied to the idea of apostolic succession, the belief that bishops can trace their office in a direct, uninterrupted line back to the Apostles of Jesus.

When did bishops start?

Although the New Testament mentions the office of bishop, its origins are obscure. It seems that the episcopacy—or threefold ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons—was well established in the Christian church by the 2nd century ce.

How did the Episcopal religion start?

The Episcopal Church was founded in 1789 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During the years of British colonial settlement in America, the head of the Church of England was the King or Queen of Britain. ... The customs and beliefs of the Episcopal Church came from the Anglican Church in England.