List of religious leaders in 2008
Encyclopedia
2007 religious leaders - Events of 2008 - 2009 religious leaders - Religious leaders by year
Note: Some religions reject the idea of having a leader or leading council in such a way that they can not be listed. When possible/plausible a leading figure will be named, but in some cases this will not be possible or desirable.
currently in occultation, there are no religious leaders. The highest religious authorities in Shi'a Islam are the few marja
s, or Grand Ayatollahs, who give their interpretation (ijtihad
) of religious laws.
has no leaders as the term is understood in the Christian
world. There is currently no caliph
. Even when the caliphate was active it was not equivalent to a "Pope" or "Dalai Lama". In fact such a thing could well be deemed shirk
in orthodox Sunni circles. The following people are mentioned to add Sunni content as they are leading figures.
Note: As with Islam these leaders may not necessarily have that much authority, it varies from group to group.
Ramakrishna Mission
Religious leaders by year
-Twenty-first century:-Twenty-first century:-Twenty-first century:::2011:2010 - 2009 - 2008 - 2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 - 2002 - 2001-Twentieth century:::2000 - 1999 - 1998 - 1997 - 1996 - 1995 - 1994 - 1993 - 1992 - 1991...
Note: Some religions reject the idea of having a leader or leading council in such a way that they can not be listed. When possible/plausible a leading figure will be named, but in some cases this will not be possible or desirable.
Mahayana Buddhism
- Jogye OrderJogye OrderThe Jogye Order, officially the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism is the representative order of traditional Korean Buddhism with roots that date back 1,200 years to Unified Silla National Master Doui, who brought Seon and the practice taught by the Sixth Patriarch, Huineng, from China about 820...
(KoreaKoreaKorea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
) - Rev. Bub Jang (?-present) - Nichiren ShoshuNichiren ShoshuNichiren Shōshū is a branch of Nichiren Buddhism based on the teachings of the 13th-century Japanese monk Nichiren . Nichiren Shōshū claims Nichiren as its founder through his disciple Nikkō , the founder of the school's Head Temple Taiseki-ji...
(JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
) - High Priest Nichinyo Shonin (2005–present) - KonkokyoKonkokyoor just Konko, is a new religion of Japanese origin also regarded as a type of Sect Shinto. It is a syncretic, henotheistic and panentheistic religion, which worships God under the name of Tenchi Kane No Kami, the Golden God of Heaven and Earth. Tenchi Kane No Kami is also referred to as Kami, or...
(JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
) - Konko Heiki, Spiritual Leader (1991–present) - TendaiTendaiis a Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism, a descendant of the Chinese Tiantai or Lotus Sutra school.Chappell frames the relevance of Tendai for a universal Buddhism:- History :...
(JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
) - Most Venerable Eshin Watanabe, Patriarch of Tendai Buddhism (?-present) - Shinnyo-en (JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
) - Most Venerable Shinso Ito (1989–present)
Theravada Buddhism
- ThailandBuddhism in ThailandBuddhism in Thailand is largely of the Theravada school. Nearly 95% of Thailand's population is Buddhist of the Theravada school, though Buddhism in this country has become integrated with folk beliefs as well as Chinese religions from the large Thai-Chinese population.Buddhist temples in Thailand...
- Nyanasamvara SuvaddhanaNyanasamvara SuvaddhanaSomdet Phra Nyanasamvara is the 19th and incumbent Supreme Patriarch of Thailand...
, Supreme Patriarch of ThailandSupreme Patriarch of ThailandThe Supreme Patriarch or Sangharaja is the head of the order of Buddhist monks in Thailand. The position is formally appointed by the King of Thailand, although the actual selection is made by senior clergymen...
(1989–present)- Acting Supreme Patriarch of Thailand - Somdet Kiaw (2004–present)
- CambodiaBuddhism in CambodiaThe kind of Buddhism practiced in Cambodia is called Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism has existed in Cambodia since at least the 5th century CE, with some sources placing its origin as early as the 3rd century BCE...
- Preah Maha GhosanandaPreah Maha GhosanandaMaha Ghosananda, , was a highly revered Cambodian Buddhist monk in the Theravada tradition, who served as the Patriarch of Cambodian Buddhism during the Khmer Rouge period and post-communist transition period of Cambodian history...
, Supreme Patriarch of CambodiaSupreme Patriarch of CambodiaThe Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia is the effective leader of the Buddhist community in Cambodia.-History:...
(1988–present)
Vajrayana Buddhism
- TibetTibetTibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
an GelugGelugThe Gelug or Gelug-pa , also known as the Yellow Hat sect, is a school of Buddhism founded by Je Tsongkhapa , a philosopher and Tibetan religious leader...
school- Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai LamaDalai LamaThe Dalai Lama is a high lama in the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The name is a combination of the Mongolian word далай meaning "Ocean" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning "teacher"...
(14th one) (1939–present) - Khensur Lungri NamgyelKhensur Lungri NamgyelTrisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal, also known as Khensur Lungri Namgyel, was born in 1927 in Kham is the 101st Gaden Tripa, the leader of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism....
, the 101st Ganden TripaGanden TripaThe Ganden Tripa or Gaden Tripa is the title of the spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, the school which controlled central Tibet from the mid-17th century until 1950s. He is identical with the respective abbot of Ganden Monastery...
, formal head of the Gelug sect (2003–present) - Gedhun Choekyi NyimaGedhun Choekyi NyimaGedhun Choekyi Nyima is, according to the 14th Dalai Lama, the eleventh Panchen Lama of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in Lhari County, Tibet. On May 14, 1995, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was named the 11th Panchen Lama by the 14th Dalai Lama...
, the 11th Panchen LamaPanchen LamaThe Panchen Lama , or Bainqên Erdê'ni , is the highest ranking Lama after the Dalai Lama in the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism...
, as recognised by the Dalaï Lama (1995–present) - Gyancain Norbu, the 11th Panchen LamaPanchen LamaThe Panchen Lama , or Bainqên Erdê'ni , is the highest ranking Lama after the Dalai Lama in the Gelugpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism...
as recognised by the Chinese government (1995–present)
- Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama
- MongoliaMongoliaMongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulan Bator, the capital and largest...
n GelugGelugThe Gelug or Gelug-pa , also known as the Yellow Hat sect, is a school of Buddhism founded by Je Tsongkhapa , a philosopher and Tibetan religious leader...
school - Jampal Namdol Chokye Gyaltsen, the 9th Javzandamba Hutagt(1936–present) - Karma KagyuKarma KagyuKarma Kagyu , or Kamtsang Kagyu, is probably the largest and certainly the most widely practiced lineage within the Kagyu school, one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The lineage has long-standing monasteries in Tibet, China, Russia, Mongolia, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and current...
school- Trinley Thaye Dorje, the 17th KarmapaKarmapaThe Karmapa is the head of the Karma Kagyu, the largest sub-school of the Kagyupa , itself one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism....
as recognised by one Kagyu faction (1994–present) - Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th KarmapaKarmapaThe Karmapa is the head of the Karma Kagyu, the largest sub-school of the Kagyupa , itself one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism....
as recognised by one Kagyu faction (1992–present)
- Trinley Thaye Dorje, the 17th Karmapa
- SakyaSakyaThe Sakya school is one of four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the others being the Nyingma, Kagyu, and Gelug...
school - Dolma Phodrang Ngawang Kunga Thegchen Palbar Thinley Samphel Wanggi Gyalpo, the 41st Sakya TrizinSakya TrizinSakya Trizin or Sa'gya Gongma Rinboqê is the traditional title of the head of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism.The Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism was founded in 1073, when Khon Konchog Gyalpo , a member of Tibet’s noble Khön family, established a monastery in the region of Sakya, Tibet,...
(1951–present) - Bön - Lungtok Tenpai Nyima (?-present)
Roman Catholic Church
- Roman Catholic ChurchRoman Catholic ChurchThe Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
as a whole, and Latin Rite -Benedict XVIPope Benedict XVIBenedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
, PopePopeThe Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
(2005–present)- Coptic Catholic ChurchCoptic Catholic ChurchThe Coptic Catholic Church is an Alexandrian Rite particular Church in full communion with the Pope of Rome. Historically, Coptic Catholics represent a schism from the Coptic Orthodox Church, leaving that church in order to come into full communion with the Bishop of Rome.The current Coptic...
- Antonios NaguibAntonios NaguibAntonios I Naguib is the Coptic Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria since 30 March 2006....
, Patriarch of AlexandriaPatriarch of AlexandriaThe Patriarch of Alexandria is the Archbishop of Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt. Historically, this office has included the designation of Pope , and did so earlier than that of the Bishop of Rome...
(2006–present) - Ethiopic Catholic Church - Berhaneyesus Demerew, Archbishop of Addis AbabaAddis AbabaAddis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia...
(1999–present) - Maronite Catholic Church - Nasrallah Sfeir, Maronite Patriarch (1986–present)
- Syriac Catholic ChurchSyriac Catholic ChurchThe Syriac Catholic Church is a Christian church in the Levant having practices and rites in common with the Syriac Orthodox Church. They are one of the Eastern Catholic Churches following the Antiochene rite, the Syriac tradition of Antioch, along with the Maronites and Syro-Malankara Christians...
- vacant, Patriarch of AntiochPatriarch of AntiochPatriarch of Antioch is a traditional title held by the Bishop of Antioch. As the traditional "overseer" of the first gentile Christian community, the position has been of prime importance in the church from its earliest period...
(2001–present) - Syro-Malankara Catholic ChurchSyro-Malankara Catholic ChurchThe Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Holy See...
- Isaac Mar Cleemis, Major Archbishop of Trivandrum (2007–present) - Armenian Catholic ChurchArmenian Catholic Church|- |The Armenian Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church sui juris in union with the other Eastern Rite, Oriental Rite and Latin Rite Catholics who accept the Bishop of Rome as spiritual leader of the Church. It is regulated by Eastern canon law...
- Nerses Bedros XIXNerses Bedros XIXNerses Bedros XIX is the current patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church. He was the second son and the fifth of eight children born to Elias Taza and Josephine Azouz...
, Patriarch of the Catholic Armenians (1999–present) - Chaldean Catholic ChurchChaldean Catholic ChurchThe Chaldean Catholic Church , is an Eastern Syriac particular church of the Catholic Church, maintaining full communion with the Bishop of Rome and the rest of the Catholic Church...
– Emmanuel III DellyEmmanuel III DellyMar Emmanuel III Delly is the Patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans and Primate of the Chaldean Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic sui juris Particular church of the Catholic Church and a Cardinal. He was born on October 6, 1927 in Tel Keppe and was ordained a priest on December 21, 1952. He was...
, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church (2003–present) - Syro-Malabar Catholic ChurchSyro-Malabar Catholic ChurchThe Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in India is an East Syrian Rite, Major Archiepiscopal Church in full communion with the Catholic Church. It is one of the 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in the Catholic Church. It is the largest of the Saint Thomas Christian denominations with more than 3.6...
- Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly (1999–present) - Albanian Catholic Church - Hil Kabashi, Apostolic Administrator (1996–present)
- Belarusian Catholic Church - Sergiusz GajekSergiusz GajekFather Sergiusz Gajek is the Apostolic Visitor for Greek-Catholic Christians on the territory of Belarus.He was born into a Polish Roman Catholic family in Łyszkowice, central Poland, and graduated from a local school and from a gymnasium....
, ArchimandriteArchimandriteThe title Archimandrite , primarily used in the Eastern Orthodox and the Eastern Catholic churches, originally referred to a superior abbot whom a bishop appointed to supervise...
, Visitator "ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" (1993–present) - Bulgarian Greek Catholic ChurchBulgarian Greek Catholic ChurchThe Bulgarian Greek Catholic Church is a Byzantine Rite sui juris particular Church in full union with the Roman Catholic Church.-Middle Ages:...
- Christo ProykovChristo ProykovChristo Proykov born March 11, 1946 in Sofia, is currently the Bulgarian Greek Catholic Bishop of Sofia. He was ordained a priest on May 23, 1971, then appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Sofia and Titular Bishop of Briula on 18 December 1993. On 5 September 1995 he became Bishop of Sofia.- References :*...
, Exarch in Sofia (Bulgaria) (1995–present) - Eparchy of KriževciEparchy of KriževciThe Eparchy of Križevci, sometimes referred to as the Croatian Greek Catholic Church or the Croatian Byzantine Catholic Church, is a recognized sui iuris Catholic Church listed in the Annuario Pontificio among the Eastern Catholic Churches of Constantinopolitan or Byzantine tradition as the Church...
- Slavomir MiklovšSlavomir MiklovšSlavomir Miklovš was the Greek Catholic bishop of Eparchy of Križevci, Croatia.Ordained to the priesthood in 1964, he became bishop of the eparchy in 1983 retiring in 2009....
, Eparch of KriževciEparchy of KriževciThe Eparchy of Križevci, sometimes referred to as the Croatian Greek Catholic Church or the Croatian Byzantine Catholic Church, is a recognized sui iuris Catholic Church listed in the Annuario Pontificio among the Eastern Catholic Churches of Constantinopolitan or Byzantine tradition as the Church...
(1983–present) - Greek Catholic ChurchGreek Catholic ChurchThe Greek Catholic Church consists of the Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine liturgical tradition and are thus in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.-List of Greek Catholic Churches:...
-- Anarghyros Printesis, Exarch in Athens (Greece) (1975–2008)
- Dimitrios Salachas, Exarch in Athens (Greece) (2008–present)
- Hungarian Catholic Church -
- Szilárd Keresztes, Archbishop of Hajdúdorog (1988–2008)
- Péter Fülöp Kocsis, Archbishop of Hajdúdorog (2008–present)
- Italo-Albanian Church - Ercole Lupinacci, Bishop of Lungro degli Italo-Albanesi (1987–present); Sotìr Ferrara, Bishop of Piana degli Albanesi(1989–present)
- Macedonian Catholic Church -Kiro StojanovKiro StojanovMonsignor Dr Kiro Stojanov is the Roman Catholic Bishop of Skopje and the Apostolic Administrator and Exarch of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church. He is the first Catholic bishop of Macedonian ethnicity in 104 years...
, Apostolic Exarchate of Macedonia (2005–present) - Melkite Greek-Catholic Church - Grégoire III Laham, Patriarch of the Melkite Catholic Church (2000–present)
- Romanian Greek-Catholic Church - Lucian MureşanLucian MureşanLucian Mureşan is the Major Archbishop of Făgăraş and Alba Iulia and thus head of the Romanian Church United with Rome, Greek-Catholic....
, Major Archbishop of Fagaras e Alba Iulia (Romania) (1994–present) - Russian Catholic ChurchRussian Catholic ChurchThe Russian Catholic Church is a Byzantine Rite church sui juris in full union with the Catholic Church. Historically it represents a schism from the Russian Orthodox Church. It is now in full communion with and subject to the authority of the Pope as defined by Eastern canon law...
– Joseph WerthJoseph WerthBishop Joseph Werth, SJ Иосиф Верт is Bishop of Transfiguration in Novosibirsk .Named as the Latin-rite Apostolic Administrator of Siberia - a see that encompassed 4.2 million square miles and extends through nine of the world's twenty four time zones - by Pope John Paul II on April 13, 1991, Werth...
, Apostolic Exarchate of Moscow (2004–present) - Ruthenian Greek-Catholic Church - Milan Sasik, Apostolic Administrator of Mukachevo (2002–present); Basil Myron Schott, Metropolitan of Pittsburgh (2002–present)
- Slovak Greek Catholic ChurchSlovak Greek Catholic ChurchThe Slovak Greek Catholic Church, or Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church, is a Byzantine Rite particular Church in full union with the Roman Catholic Church. L'Osservatore Romano of January 31, 2008 reported that, in Slovakia alone, it had some 350,000 faithful, 374 priests and 254 parishes...
- Ján Babjak, Bishop of Prešov (2002–present) - Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church - Lubomyr Husar, Major Archbishop of Kiev and Halych (of Lviv until 2005) (2000–present)
- Coptic Catholic Church
Mariavite groups
- Catholic Mariavite ChurchCatholic Mariavite ChurchThe Catholic Mariavite Church is a Polish religious organization begun in 1935 by Archbishop Jan Maria Michal Kowalski.Kowalski had been the leader of the Old Catholic Mariavite Church, since the death of its foundress, Felicja Kozłowska , in 1921...
- Beatrycze Szulgowicz (2005–present) - Old Catholic Church of the Mariavites – Ludwik Jablonski, Bishop-Primate (1997–present)
Liberal and Independent Catholic Churches
- American Catholic Church in the United StatesAmerican Catholic Church in the United StatesThe American Catholic Church in the United States is a small Independent Catholic formed in 1999, denomination originating from the Old Catholic Christian denomination. The ACCUS holds some similar theological beliefs and practices to the Roman Catholic Church. It is not in communion with the...
- Lawrence J. Harms, Presiding Bishop (1999–present) - The Ancient Apostolic Communion - Anthony I, PatriarchPatriarchOriginally a patriarch was a man who exercised autocratic authority as a pater familias over an extended family. The system of such rule of families by senior males is called patriarchy. This is a Greek word, a compound of πατριά , "lineage, descent", esp...
(2002–present) - Liberal Catholic Church InternationalLiberal Catholic Church InternationalThe Liberal Catholic Church International is a Christian church with headquarters based in the United States. The Church traces its founding to Jesus and the Twelve Apostles and sees the Bishops of the Church as the successors of the Apostles...
- Archbishop Charles FinnCharles FinnCharles "Charlie" Thornton Finn was an American water polo player who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics and in the 1936 Summer Olympics.In 1932 he was part of the American team which won the bronze medal...
, Presiding Bishop (?-present) - Spiritus Christi sect- Father James CallanJames CallanJames Brady Callan is a former Roman Catholic priest and one of the founders of the Spiritus Christi Community in Rochester, New York.-Excommunication:...
, principal founder (?-present) - Servants of the Good Shepherd - Bishop Protector Charles Klughart (?-present)
- Traditional Catholic Orthodox Church - (Francis I) Phillip R. Kemp, Presiding Archbishop (2004–Present)
Traditionalist Catholicism
- Society of St. Pius XSociety of St. Pius XThe Society of Saint Pius X is an international Traditionalist Catholic organisation, founded in 1970 by the French archbishop Marcel Lefebvre...
- Bernard FellayBernard FellayBernard Fellay, SSPX is a bishop and superior general of the Traditionalist Catholic Society of St. Pius X. In 1988, the Roman Catholic Church declared Fellay automatically excommunicated through being consecrated a bishop by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, an act that the Holy See described as...
, Superior General (1994–present) - Palmarian Catholic ChurchPalmarian Catholic ChurchThe Christian Palmarian Church of the Carmelites of the Holy Face , commonly called the Palmarian Catholic Church , is a schismatic Catholic church with its own pope, Gregory XVIII.-Origins:...
- Manuel Corral considered as Pope Peter II (2005–present)
National or regional movements
- Brazilian Catholic Apostolic ChurchBrazilian Catholic Apostolic ChurchThe Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church is an independent Catholic church established in 1945 by Brazilian bishop Dom Carlos Duarte Costa, a former Roman Catholic Bishop of Botucatu.The ICAB has 58 dioceses and claims five million members in 17 countries...
- Luis Fernando Castillo MendezLuis Fernando Castillo MendezDom Luis Fernando Castillo Méndez was patriarch of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church , an independent catholic church...
, PatriarchPatriarchOriginally a patriarch was a man who exercised autocratic authority as a pater familias over an extended family. The system of such rule of families by senior males is called patriarchy. This is a Greek word, a compound of πατριά , "lineage, descent", esp...
(1961–present) - Polish National Catholic Church of America - Robert M. NemkovichRobert M. NemkovichBishop Robert M. Nemkovich was the sixth Prime Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church, elected by the twenty-first General Synod of this denomination in 2002.-References:...
, Prime Bishop (2002–present)
Autocephalous
- Constantinople - Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch, Archbishop of Constantinople, New RomePatriarch of ConstantinopleThe Ecumenical Patriarch is the Archbishop of Constantinople – New Rome – ranking as primus inter pares in the Eastern Orthodox communion, which is seen by followers as the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church....
(1991–present) - Alexandria - Theodore IIPatriarch Theodore II of AlexandriaTheodore II is the current Eastern Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa...
, Greek Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, Libya, Pentapolis, Ethiopia, All Egypt and All Africa (2004–present) - Antioch - Ignatius IVIgnatius IV of AntiochPatriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch and All The East is the current primate of the "Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All The East".-Life:...
, Patriarch of Antioch and All the EastPatriarch of AntiochPatriarch of Antioch is a traditional title held by the Bishop of Antioch. As the traditional "overseer" of the first gentile Christian community, the position has been of prime importance in the church from its earliest period...
(1979–present) - Jerusalem - Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine, Syria, beyond the Jordan River, Cana of Galilee, and Holy ZionGreek Orthodox Patriarch of JerusalemThe Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is the head bishop of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, ranking fourth of nine Patriarchs in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Since 2005, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem has been Theophilos III...
(2005–present) - Russia - Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow, Metropolitan of Tallinn{1990-2008}, vacant
- Serbia - Pavle, Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci, and Patriarch of the Serbs (1990–present)
- Romania - Daniel, Patriarch of All Romania, Metropolitan of Wallachia and DobrogeaPatriarch of All RomaniaThe Patriarch of All Romania is the title of the head of the Romanian Orthodox Church. As of September 12, 2007, the chair is occupied by Daniel Ciobotea.-Metropolitans of Ungro-Wallachia:* Maxim * Macarie II * Ilarion II...
(2007–present) - Bulgaria - Maxim, Patriarch of All Bulgaria and Metropolitan of SofiaPatriarch of All BulgariaThe Patriarch of All Bulgaria is the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The Bulgarian patriarchate was re-established in 1953.-History:...
(1971–present) - Georgia - Ilia IIIlia IIIlia II is the current Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia and the spiritual leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church...
, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta and TbilisiCatholicos-Patriarch of All GeorgiaCatholicos–Patriarch has been the title of the heads of the Georgian Orthodox Church since 1010. The first Catholicos–Patriarch of All Georgia was Melkisedek I...
(1977–present) - Cyprus - Chrysostomos II, Archbishop of Nea Justiniana and All Cyprus(2006–present)
- Greece - Ieronymos IIArchbishop Ieronymos II of AthensIeronymos II is the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece and as such the primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece. He was elected on 7 February 2008.-Early life and career:...
, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece (2008–present) - Poland - Sawa, Metropolitan of Warsaw and All PolandPolish Orthodox ChurchThe Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church, commonly known as the Polish Orthodox Church, , is one of the autocephalous Eastern Orthodox Churches in full communion...
(1998–present) - Albania - AnastasiosArchbishop Anastasios of AlbaniaArchbishop Dr Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania and as such the primate and Head of the Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. He was elected on June 1992...
, Archbishop of Tirana and All AlbaniaAlbanian Orthodox ChurchThe Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania is one of the newest autocephalous Eastern Orthodox churches. It declared its autocephaly in 1922, and gained recognition from the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1937....
(1992–present) - Czechia and Slovakia - Christopher, Metropolitan of All Czechia and Slovakia (2006–present)
- North America (The Orthodox Church of America) - HermanHerman (Swaiko)Metropolitan Herman is the former primate of the Orthodox Church in America . As the head of the OCA, he was the Archbishop of Washington and New York, and Metropolitan of All America and Canada...
, Metropolitan of All America and Canada (2002–2008, The OCA's autocephaly is not currently recognized by all other autocephalous Orthodox Churches.)
Autonomous Orthodox Churches in Communion
- Orthodox Church of Mount Sinai (autonomy under Patriarchate of JerusalemGreek Orthodox Patriarch of JerusalemThe Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is the head bishop of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, ranking fourth of nine Patriarchs in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Since 2005, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem has been Theophilos III...
) - Damianos, Archbishop of Sinai (1973–present) - Orthodox Church of Finland (autonomy under Ecumenical Patriarchate) - LeoLeo (Makkonen) of FinlandArchbishop Leo of Karelia and All Finland, head of the Finnish Orthodox Church, was born in Pielavesi in eastern Finland on June 4, 1948. After completing studies in 1972 at the Kuopio seminary, he was ordained deacon on 20 July 1973 and priest two days later.He was consecrated Bishop of Joensuu...
, Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland (2001–present) - Orthodox Church of EstoniaEstonian Orthodox ChurchThe Church of Estonia or Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church is an autonomous Orthodox church whose primate is confirmed by the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople...
(autonomy under Ecumenical Patriarchate) - Stephanos, Metropolitan of Tallinn and All Estonia (1999–present) - Orthodox Church of Japan (autonomy under Russia) - DanielDanielDaniel is the protagonist in the Book of Daniel of the Hebrew Bible. In the narrative, when Daniel was a young man, he was taken into Babylonian captivity where he was educated in Chaldean thought. However, he never converted to Neo-Babylonian ways...
, Metropolitan of All Japan (2000–present) - Orthodox Church of MacedoniaMacedonian Orthodox ChurchThe Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric or just Macedonian Orthodox Church is the body of Christians who are united under the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, exercising jurisdiction over Macedonian Orthodox Christians in the Republic of Macedonia and in exarchates in the Macedonian...
(Ohrid Archbishopric) - StephenStephenStephen or Steven is a masculine first name, derived from the Greek name Στέφανος meaning "crown, garland", in turn from the Greek word "στέφανος", meaning "wreath, crown, honour, reward", literally "that which surrounds or encompasses". In ancient Greece a wreath was given to the winner of a...
, Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia and Metropolitan of Skopje (1999–present) - Orthodox Church of UkraineUkrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is an autonomous Church of Eastern Orthodoxy in Ukraine, under the ecclesiastic jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate...
(autonomy under Russia) - Vladimir IIMetropolitan Volodymyr (Viktor Sabodan)Metropolitan Volodymyr is the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church . Metropolitan Volodymyr's official title is : His Beatitude Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine...
, Metropolitan of Kiev and All Ukraine (1992–present) - Russian Orthodox Church Outside RussiaRussian Orthodox Church Outside RussiaThe Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia , also called the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, ROCA, or ROCOR) is a semi-autonomous part of the Russian Orthodox Church....
(autonomy under Russia) - Metropolitan LaurusMetropolitan LaurusMetropolitan Laurus of New York was First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, the fifth cleric to hold that position...
, Metropolitan (2001–present) - Orthodox Church of Bessarabia (autonomy under Romania) - Petru, Metropolitan (1992–present)
Schismatic Orthodox Churches not currently in Communion
- Montenegrin Orthodox ChurchMontenegrin Orthodox ChurchThe Montenegrin Orthodox Church is an Orthodox Christian organization acting in Montenegro and Montenegrin emigration circles - e.g. the village of Lovćenac and the Montenegrin emigration colony in Argentina...
- MihailoMihailoMihailo is a Slavic masculine given name, a variant of the Hebrew name Michael. Other slavic variants include Mihail, Mihajlo, and Mikhail. Common as a given name among Serbs, it is an uncommon surname...
, Archbishop (1997–present) - Russian Orthodox Church Abroad -
- Metropolitan Vitaly, Metropolitan in opposition (2001–present)
- Russian True Orthodox ChurchRussian True Orthodox ChurchThe Russian True Orthodox Church is a denomination that separated from the Russian Orthodox Church during the early years of Communist rule in the Soviet Union. While the True Orthodox Church in Russia was never a single organization, many of its followers were labeled Josephites, after...
- VyacheslavVyacheslavVyacheslav is a male given name that can also be spelled Viacheslav or Viatcheslav. It is also anglicised as Wenceslaus, which can also be spelled Wenceslas, Venceslas, or Wenzeslaus-Academia:...
, Metropolitan (2000–present)
- Vyacheslav
- Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox ChurchUkrainian Autocephalous Orthodox ChurchThe Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church is one of the three major Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. Close to ten percent of the Christian population claim to be members of the UAOC. The other Churches are the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kiev Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Russophile Orthodox...
- Mefodiy, MetropolitanMetropolitan Mefodiy (Kudryakov)Metropolitan Mefodiy in the city of Kopychentsi, Husyatyn region in the district of the Ternopol region.A graduate of the Moscow Theological Academy in Zagorsk....
(2000–present)
- Mefodiy, Metropolitan
- Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate
- Filaret, PatriarchPatriarch Filaret (Mykhailo Denysenko)Patriarch Filaret is the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate , former Metropolitan bishop of Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Filaret (secular name in Ukrainian Mykhailo Antonovych Denysenko, in Russian Mikhail Antonovich Denisenko, officially His Holiness, the Patriarch of...
(1995–present)
- Filaret, Patriarch
Old Believers not currently in Communion
- Pomorian Old-Orthodox ChurchPomorian Old-Orthodox ChurchThe Pomorian Old Orthodox Church is a branch of the priestless faction of the Old Believers, born of a schism within the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century.- Pomorian Agreement :...
- Chairman of the Council of the Pomorian Old-Orthodox Church in Russia - Oleg Ivanovich Rozanov (?-present)
- Chairman of the Council of the Pomorian Old-Orthodox Church in Belarus - Pyotr Alexandrovich Orlov (2001–present)
- Chairman of the Council of the Pomorian Old-Orthodox Church in Latvia - Alexy Karatayev (?-present)
- Chairman of the Council of the Pomorian Old-Orthodox Church in Lithuania - Nikolay Pilnikov (2002–present)
- Chairman of the Council of the Pomorian Old-Orthodox Church in Poland - Feodosy Novichenko (1993–present)
- Lipovan Orthodox Old-Rite ChurchLipovan Orthodox Old-Rite ChurchThe Lipovan Orthodox Old-Rite Church is the Romanian based jurisdiction of the Belokrinitskaya Hierarchy ....
- Leonty (Izotov) (1996–present) - Russian Orthodox Old-Rite ChurchRussian Orthodox Old-Rite ChurchThe Russian Orthodox Old-Rite Church is an Eastern Orthodox Church of the Old Believers tradition, born from a schism within the Russian Orthodox Church following the liturgical reforms of Patriarch Nikon in the second half of 17th century...
- Korniliy (Titov)Korniliy (Titov)Metropolitan Korniliy , secular name Konstantin Ivanovich Titov ; born August 1, 1947, in Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Moscow Oblast, Soviet Union is a Russian Orthodox Old-Rite Church bishop; Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus, Primate of the Russian Orthodox Old-Rite Church .-External links:* Official web...
(2005–present) - Russian Old-Orthodox ChurchRussian Old-Orthodox ChurchThe Russian Old Orthodox Church is an Eastern Orthodox Church of the Old Believers tradition, born of a schism within the Russian Orthodox Church during the 17th century . This jurisdiction incorporated those Old Believer groups which refused to accept the authority of Belokrinitskaya Hierarchy,...
- A. Alexander of NovozybkovNovozybkovNovozybkov is a historical town in Bryansk Oblast, Russia. Population: -History:It was founded in 1701 and granted town status in 1809. Novozybkov was a major hemp supplier in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly for the production of ropes for the Russian Navy...
, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (2000–present)
Oriental Orthodox
- Armenian Apostolic ChurchArmenian Apostolic ChurchThe Armenian Apostolic Church is the world's oldest National Church, is part of Oriental Orthodoxy, and is one of the most ancient Christian communities. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 301 AD, in establishing this church...
-- Karekin IIKarekin IICatholicos Karekin II is the current head of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church.He was born as Ktrij Nersessian in Voskehat, Armenia, on August 21, 1951. He entered the Gevorkian Theological Seminary at Echmiadzin in 1965 and graduated with honors in 1971. He was ordained to the diaconate deacon...
, Catholicos of ArmeniaCatholicos of ArmeniaThe Catholicos of All Armenians is the chief bishop of Armenia's national church, the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is one of the Oriental Orthodox churches that do not accept the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon. The first Catholicos of All Armenians was Saint Gregory the Illuminator...
(1999–present) - Aram IAram IHis Holiness Aram I is the head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and has been Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church since 1995...
, Catholicos of Cilicia (1995–present)
- Karekin II
- Coptic Orthodox Church – Shenouda III of Alexandria, Coptic Pope (1971–present)
- Eritrean Orthodox Church – Dioskoros (2005–present) (Disputed by Patriarch Antonios, deposed by government order 2005)
- Ethiopian Orthodox Church – Abune PaulosAbune PaulosAbune Paulos is Abuna and Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church . His full title is "His Holiness Abuna Paulos, Fifth Patriarch and Catholicos of Ethiopia, Ichege of the See of St...
(1992–present) (Disputed by Abune Merkorios, abdicated 1992 but then recanted abdication) - Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church – Baselius Mar Thoma Didymos I, Catholicos of the East and Malankara MetropolitanCatholicos of The East and Malankara MetropolitanCatholicos is the title used by head bishops of regions within the Patriarchate of Antioch having self ecclesiastical and autonomus status from the ancient period. The word "Catholicos" means "Universal"....
(2005–present) - Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church – Joseph Marthoma, Metropolitan (2007–present)
- Indian Orthodox ChurchIndian Orthodox ChurchThe Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, is an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox church centred in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the churches of India's Saint Thomas Christian community, which traces its origins to the evangelical activity of Thomas...
- Catholicos of the East and Malankara MetropolitanCatholicos of The East and Malankara MetropolitanCatholicos is the title used by head bishops of regions within the Patriarchate of Antioch having self ecclesiastical and autonomus status from the ancient period. The word "Catholicos" means "Universal"....
- Baselius Mar Thoma Didymos I (2005–present) - Syriac Orthodox ChurchSyriac Orthodox ChurchThe Syriac Orthodox Church; is an autocephalous Oriental Orthodox church based in the Eastern Mediterranean, with members spread throughout the world. The Syriac Orthodox Church claims to derive its origin from one of the first Christian communities, established in Antioch by the Apostle St....
- Ignatius Zakka I IwasIgnatius Zakka I IwasIgnatius Zakka I Iwas is the 122nd reigning Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, and as such, Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church. Also known by his traditional episcopal name, Severios, he was enthroned as patriarch on 14 September 1980 in St. George's...
, Patriarch (1980–present)
Provinces of the Anglican Communion
- Church of EnglandChurch of EnglandThe Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
– - Elizabeth IIElizabeth II of the United KingdomElizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
, Supreme Governor of the Church of EnglandSupreme Governor of the Church of EnglandThe Supreme Governor of the Church of England is a title held by the British monarchs which signifies their titular leadership over the Church of England. Although the monarch's authority over the Church of England is not strong, the position is still very relevant to the church and is mostly...
(1952–present) - Rowan WilliamsRowan WilliamsRowan Douglas Williams FRSL, FBA, FLSW is an Anglican bishop, poet and theologian. He is the 104th and current Archbishop of Canterbury, Metropolitan of the Province of Canterbury and Primate of All England, offices he has held since early 2003.Williams was previously Bishop of Monmouth and...
, Archbishop of Canterbury (2002–present) - Anglican Church of CanadaAnglican Church of CanadaThe Anglican Church of Canada is the Province of the Anglican Communion in Canada. The official French name is l'Église Anglicane du Canada. The ACC is the third largest church in Canada after the Roman Catholic Church and the United Church of Canada, consisting of 800,000 registered members...
– Fred HiltzFred HiltzFrederick James "Fred" Hiltz is the current Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.Hiltz was born in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where he was also raised. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Dalhousie University in 1975 and obtained his Master of Divinity degree at the Atlantic School of...
, Primate (2007–present) - Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui – Paul KwongPaul KwongPaul Kwong is the second Archbishop and Primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui and Bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong Island. He was elected and consecrated the bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, on December 30, 2005, and March 25, 2006, respectively...
, ArchbishopArchbishop of Hong KongThe Archbishop of Hong Kong is the senior bishop, spiritual and moral leader of the Anglican Province of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. The archbishop is also Primate of Hong Kong , and both incumbents have, coincidentally, also been Bishop of Hong Kong Island...
(2007–present) - Episcopal Church in the United States of America –
- Katharine Jefferts SchoriKatharine Jefferts SchoriKatharine Jefferts Schori is the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States. Previously elected as the 9th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada, she is the first woman elected as a primate of the Anglican Communion...
, Presiding Bishop (2006–present) - George L.W. Werner, President of the House of Deputies (2000–present)
Continuing Anglicanism
- American Anglican Church – John A. Herzog, Presiding Bishop (1994–present)
- Anglican Church of Virginia – Larry Wilson Johnson, Bishop (2001–present)
- Anglican Orthodox ChurchAnglican Orthodox ChurchThe Anglican Orthodox Church is one of the older conservative Anglican denominations in the United States that is not in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury of the Church of England due to the perceived abandonment of Reformation doctrine by that church...
– Jerry L. Ogles, Presiding Bishop (2003–present) - Anglican Province of Christ the KingAnglican Province of Christ the KingThe Anglican Province of Christ the King is a Continuing Anglican church with traditional forms both of doctrine and liturgy. It is considered one of the more Anglo-Catholic jurisdictions among Continuing Anglican church bodies.-History:...
– James E. Provence, Bishop (2007–present) - Federation of Anglican Churches in the AmericasFederation of Anglican Churches in the AmericasThe Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas is an association of six Anglican jurisdictions with nearly 600 parishes in the New World. The Federation, which was founded in 2006 to enable a closer association of these and other jurisdictions, does not include any provinces of the Anglican...
- Anglican Church in America – President of the House of Bishops (2005–present)
- Anglican Province of AmericaAnglican Province of AmericaThe Anglican Province of America is one of a number of "Continuing" Anglican churches in the United States. This church considers the Episcopal Church in the USA to be heretical, thus it maintains a church separate from that body in order to follow what it considers to be a truly Christian and...
– Walter Grundorf, Presiding Bishop (early 1990s–present) - Diocese of the Holy CrossDiocese of the Holy CrossThe Diocese of the Holy Cross is a continuing Anglican church body in the United States. Unlike most dioceses it is not geographically defined but is a national jurisdiction.- History :...
– Paul C. Hewett, Diocesan Bishop (2006–present) - Episcopal Missionary ChurchEpiscopal Missionary ChurchThe Episcopal Missionary Church is a Continuing Anglican church body in the United States and a member of the Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas...
– Council Nedd IICouncil Nedd IICouncil Nedd II is an American political, religious and cultural commentator who serves as the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Missionary Church, a Continuing Anglican body. Nedd is the first-born child of Council Nedd of Sumter, South Carolina and Gertrude D...
, Presiding Bishop (2005–present) - Reformed Episcopal ChurchReformed Episcopal ChurchThe Reformed Episcopal Church is an Anglican church in the United States and Canada and a founding member of the Anglican Church in North America...
– Leonard W. RichesLeonard W. RichesLeonard Wayne Riches is the current Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church and bishop of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of his denomination. He received the Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Divinity Honoris causa from...
, Presiding Bishop (1996–present) - North American Anglican ConferenceNorth American Anglican ConferenceThe North American Anglican Conference is a federation of Continuing Anglican church bodies in the United States and Canada. The NAAC was founded on August 15, 2008 by an assembly of bishops, clergy, and laity gathered in Romulus, Michigan for the purpose of ratifying the association's proposed...
- Anglican Episcopal ChurchAnglican Episcopal ChurchThe Anglican Episcopal Church is a Continuing Anglican church consisting of parishes in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida served by two bishops and 18 other clergy. The AEC was founded at St...
– George Connor, Presiding Bishop (2006–present) - Diocese of the Great LakesDiocese of the Great LakesThe Diocese of the Great Lakes is a Continuing Anglican church body in the United States and Canada. Although all of its worship centers and clergy are currently located in the American Great Lakes states and the Canadian Province of Ontario, the diocese is non-geographical in structure and open...
– David T. Hustwick, Bishop Ordinary (2002–present) - Orthodox Anglican CommunionOrthodox Anglican CommunionThe Orthodox Anglican Communion was established in 1967 as a self-governing worldwide fellowship of national churches in the Anglican tradition. The Orthodox Anglican Communion was one of the first such communions to be formed outside of the See of Canterbury and therefore is not part of the...
– Scott Earle McLaughlinScott Earle McLaughlinScott Earle McLaughlin is the Presiding Bishop of the Orthodox Anglican Church, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Orthodox Anglican Communion, and the Chancellor of Saint Andrew's Theological College and Seminary. On 1 May 1999 McLaughlin was consecrated as a bishop by Herbert M...
, Metropolitan Archbishop (2000–present)- Orthodox Anglican ChurchOrthodox Anglican ChurchThe Orthodox Anglican Church is the American branch of the Orthodox Anglican Communion. It is now considered to be part of the Continuing Anglican movement, although the church predates the Continuing Church movement and was actively opposed to Continuing Anglicanism when it developed during the...
– Scott Earle McLaughlinScott Earle McLaughlinScott Earle McLaughlin is the Presiding Bishop of the Orthodox Anglican Church, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Orthodox Anglican Communion, and the Chancellor of Saint Andrew's Theological College and Seminary. On 1 May 1999 McLaughlin was consecrated as a bishop by Herbert M...
, Presiding Bishop (2000–present)
- Orthodox Anglican Church
- Traditional Anglican CommunionTraditional Anglican CommunionThe Traditional Anglican Communion is an international communion of churches in the continuing Anglican movement independent of the Anglican Communion and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The TAC upholds the theological doctrines of the Affirmation of St. Louis and an Anglo-Catholic interpretation of...
– John HepworthJohn HepworthJohn Anthony Hepworth is an Australian bishop. He is currently the primate and archbishop of the Traditional Anglican Communion, an international body of continuing Anglican churches. He is also the ordinary of the Anglican Catholic Church in Australia.Hepworth began his seminary studies in 1960...
, Primate (2002–present) - Anglican Catholic Church in AustraliaAnglican Catholic Church in AustraliaThe Anglican Catholic Church in Australia is the regional jurisdiction of the Traditional Anglican Communion for most of Australia and also provides episcopal oversight for New Zealand and Japan...
– John HepworthJohn HepworthJohn Anthony Hepworth is an Australian bishop. He is currently the primate and archbishop of the Traditional Anglican Communion, an international body of continuing Anglican churches. He is also the ordinary of the Anglican Catholic Church in Australia.Hepworth began his seminary studies in 1960...
, Archbishop (1998–present) - Anglican Catholic Church of CanadaAnglican Catholic Church of CanadaThe Anglican Catholic Church of Canada is an Anglican church that was founded in the 1970s by conservative Anglicans.-Affiliation:With 30 congregations in Canada, the ACCC is the third-largest of the Anglican churches in Canada, after the ACC and the Anglican Church in North America.The Anglican...
– Peter Wilkinson, Bishop and Metropolitan (2005–present) - Anglican Church of IndiaAnglican Church of IndiaThe Anglican Church of India is a union of independent Anglican churches in India. When India became independent in 1947, the Church of South India was formed as a united church of Anglicans, Baptists, Basel Mission, Lutherans and Presbyterians...
– Stephen Vattappara, Metropolitan Bishop (1990–present) - Anglican Church in America – President of the House of Bishops (2005–present)
- United Anglican Church – Robert D. Parlotz, Archbishop and Primate (c.2001–present)
- United Episcopal Church of North AmericaUnited Episcopal Church of North AmericaThe United Episcopal Church of North America is a traditional Anglican Christian church that is part of the Continuing Anglican movement...
– Stephen C. ReberStephen C. ReberStephen C. Reber, Sr. of Statesville, North Carolina is a former Presiding Bishop of the United Episcopal Church of North America . Before being elected as Presiding Bishop of the UECNA, Reber had been a presbyter in the Anglican Orthodox Church and rector of St. Peter's Anglican Orthodox Church in...
, Presiding Bishop (1996–2010)
Baptist
- National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. is the largest predominantly African-American Christian denomination in the United States and is the world's second largest Baptist denomination...
- Dr. William J. Shaw, President (2003–present) - Southern Baptist ConventionSouthern Baptist ConventionThe Southern Baptist Convention is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members...
- - Frank Page, President of the Southern Baptist Convention (2006-2008)
- Johnny HuntJohnny HuntJohnny M. Hunt is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, and former President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is currently the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock, in Woodstock, Georgia.- Early life :...
, President of the Southern Baptist Convention (2008-present)
Lutheran
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaEvangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA officially came into existence on January 1, 1988, by the merging of three churches. As of December 31, 2009, it had 4,543,037 baptized members, with 2,527,941 of them...
(ELCA) - Mark HansonMark HansonMark S. Hanson is the third and current Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Before being elected presiding bishop, he served as bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod...
, Presiding Bishop (2001–present) - Evangelical Lutheran Church in CanadaEvangelical Lutheran Church in CanadaThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada's largest Lutheran denomination, with 152,788 baptized members in 624 congregations, with the second largest, the Lutheran Church–Canada, having 72,116 baptized members...
, Susan JohnsonSusan Johnson (bishop)Susan Johnson is the current National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada . She is the first woman to hold the post....
, National Bishop (2007–present) - EstoniaEstoniaEstonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
n Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad, Andres Taul, Archbishop of Canada (2007–present) - Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia - Andres PõderAndres PõderAndres Põder is the current Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia. He was elected in November 2004 and took office in February 2005. The Archbishop's See is located at St Mary's Cathedral, Tallinn.-References:...
(2005–present) - Evangelical Lutheran Church of FinlandEvangelical Lutheran Church of FinlandThe Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is the national church of Finland. The church professes the Lutheran branch of Christianity, and is a member of the Porvoo Communion....
- Jukka PaarmaJukka PaarmaJukka Paarma was the Archbishop of Turku and Finland, and the spiritual head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. He retired as Archbishop on June 1, 2010.-References:...
, Archbishop of Turku (1998–present) - Evangelical Church in GermanyEvangelical Church in GermanyThe Evangelical Church in Germany is a federation of 22 Lutheran, Unified and Reformed Protestant regional church bodies in Germany. The EKD is not a church in a theological understanding because of the denominational differences. However, the member churches share full pulpit and altar...
- Barbara Rinke President of the Synod (2003–present) - Lutheran Church - Missouri SynodLutheran Church - Missouri SynodThe Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod is a traditional, confessional Lutheran denomination in the United States. With 2.3 million members, it is both the eighth largest Protestant denomination and the second-largest Lutheran body in the U.S. after the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Synod...
- Gerald B. KieschnickGerald B. KieschnickGerald Bryan Kieschnick was the 12th president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He served 3 terms starting in 2001, re-elected in 2004, and again in 2007. He was defeated in his bid for a fourth term by the Rev. Matthew C...
(2001–present) - Lutheran World FederationLutheran World FederationThe Lutheran World Federation is a global communion of national and regional Lutheran churches headquartered in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. The federation was founded in the Swedish city of Lund in the aftermath of the Second World War in 1947 to coordinate the activities of the...
- Mark HansonMark HansonMark S. Hanson is the third and current Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Before being elected presiding bishop, he served as bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod...
, President (2003–present) - Church of NorwayChurch of NorwayThe Church of Norway is the state church of Norway, established after the Lutheran reformation in Denmark-Norway in 1536-1537 broke the ties to the Holy See. The church confesses the Lutheran Christian faith...
- Harald V of NorwayHarald V of NorwayHarald V is the king of Norway. He succeeded to the throne of Norway upon the death of his father Olav V on 17 January 1991...
, King of Norway (1991–present) - Church of SwedenChurch of SwedenThe Church of Sweden is the largest Christian church in Sweden. The church professes the Lutheran faith and is a member of the Porvoo Communion. With 6,589,769 baptized members, it is the largest Lutheran church in the world, although combined, there are more Lutherans in the member churches of...
- Anders WejrydAnders WejrydAnders Harald Wejryd is a Swedish Lutheran clergyman. Having been Bishop of Växjö since 1995, he was elected Archbishop of Uppsala and primate of the Church of Sweden in March 2006 and took office in September of the same year....
, Archbishop of Uppsala (2006–present) - Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran SynodWisconsin Evangelical Lutheran SynodThe Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2008, it had a baptized membership of over 389,364 in more than 1,290 congregations,...
(WELS), Mark Schroeder (2007–present)
Pentecostal
- Assemblies of GodAssemblies of GodThe Assemblies of God , officially the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, is a group of over 140 autonomous but loosely-associated national groupings of churches which together form the world's largest Pentecostal denomination...
- - Thomas E. Trask, Assemblies of God Fellowship chairman (2000–2008)
- George O. WoodGeorge O. WoodGeorge O. Wood is an American Pentecostal minister. Since August 2007, he has been the General Superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America and has been Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the...
, Assemblies of God Fellowship chairman (2008–present) - United Pentecostal Church InternationalUnited Pentecostal Church InternationalThe United Pentecostal Church International is a Pentecostal Christian denomination, headquartered in the St. Louis suburb of Hazelwood, Missouri. It is a part of the Oneness or "Apostolic" portion of the Pentecostal Movement, and was formed in 1945 by a merger of the former Pentecostal Church,...
- Kenneth F. Haney, General Superintendent, (until 2009) - Worldwide Church of GodWorldwide Church of GodGrace Communion International , formerly the Worldwide Church of God , is an evangelical Christian denomination based in Glendora, California, United States. Since April 3, 2009, it has used the new name Grace Communion International in the US...
- Joseph Tkach, Jr., Pastor-General (1995–present)
Other
- United Church of CanadaUnited Church of CanadaThe United Church of Canada is a Protestant Christian denomination in Canada. It is the largest Protestant church and, after the Roman Catholic Church, the second-largest Christian church in Canada...
- David GiulianoDavid GiulianoThe Very Reverend David Giuliano , was the Moderator of the United Church of Canada from 2006 to 2009.Giuliano grew up in Windsor, Ontario, in his words, "a descendant of deeply faithful Southern Ontario Quakers, born-again Baptists, and Italian-American immigrant Catholics." While in high school,...
, ModeratorModerator of the United Church of CanadaThe Moderator of the United Church of Canada is the presiding leader of the United Church of Canada, Canada's largest Protestant denomination. The church is highly decentralized and non-dogmatic and the moderator has only limited power...
(from August 2006) - United Church of ChristUnited Church of ChristThe United Church of Christ is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination primarily in the Reformed tradition but also historically influenced by Lutheranism. The Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches united in 1957 to form the UCC...
- John H. ThomasJohn H. ThomasThe Rev. John H. Thomas was the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ , a mainline Protestant Christian denomination in the Reformed tradition. Elected in 1999, he served as one of five officers of the UCC who comprise the Collegium of Officers, which oversees national...
, President and General Minister (1999–present) - Moravian Church - Angelene Swart http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-4swart-5rjan30,0,3904539.story, President of the Moravian Church's worldwide governing body. (2006–2008)
- Salvation ArmySalvation ArmyThe Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
- Shaw CliftonShaw CliftonShaw Clifton is a former General of The Salvation Army. He succeeded John Larsson as the 18th General on 2 April 2006.-Career:Shaw Clifton was born on 21 September 1945 in Belfast, Northern Ireland....
, General (2006–present) - Seventh-day Adventist ChurchSeventh-day Adventist ChurchThe Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
- Jan PaulsenJan PaulsenDr. Jan Paulsen was elected President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists on March 1, 1999, at the age of 64...
, President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (1999–present) - United Methodist ChurchUnited Methodist ChurchThe United Methodist Church is a Methodist Christian denomination which is both mainline Protestant and evangelical. Founded in 1968 by the union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley...
– - Janice Riggle HuieJanice Riggle HuieJanice Riggle Huie was elected bishop by the South Central Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1996.She is married to Robert Huie. They have two sons: David and Matthew...
President of the Council of Bishops (2006–2008) - Gregory V. PalmerGregory V. PalmerGregory Vaughn Palmer is an American Bishop of The United Methodist Church, elected in 2000. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father, Herbert Palmer, is also a United Methodist pastor.-Education:...
President of the Council of Bishops (2008–2010) - Worldwide Faith MissionsWorldwide Faith MissionsWorldwide Faith Missions is a non-governmental international Christian relief and development church missionary organization based in the United States of America with mission branches in India, Burma , and Thailand. It is a part of the worldwide missions church movement.- History:Worldwide Faith...
– Johannes Maas, International President, (1982–present)
Other Christian or Christian-derived faiths
- Assyrian Church of the EastAssyrian Church of the EastThe Assyrian Church of the East, officially the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East ʻIttā Qaddishtā w-Shlikhāitā Qattoliqi d-Madnĕkhā d-Āturāyē), is a Syriac Church historically centered in Mesopotamia. It is one of the churches that claim continuity with the historical...
- Mar Dinkha IV, Patriarch (1976–present) - Ancient Church of the EastAncient Church of the EastThe Ancient Church of the East was established in 1968. It follows the traditions of one of the oldest Christian churches, the Church of the East, whose origins trace back to the See of Seleucia-Ctesiphon in central Mesopotamia...
- Mar Addai IIMar Addai IIMar Addai II , born Shimun Giwargis, is the incumbent Catholicos Patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East and resides in the Apostolic See of Seleucia-Ctesiphon in Baghdad, Iraq.,He was elected to the position of Catholicos-Patriarch in February 1970, several months after the death of...
, Patriarch (1970–present) - Community of ChristCommunity of ChristThe Community of Christ, known from 1872 to 2001 as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , is an American-based international Christian church established in April 1830 that claims as its mission "to proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace"...
- Stephen M. VeazeyStephen M. VeazeyStephen Mark Veazey is the current Prophet-President of the Community of Christ, headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Veazey's name was presented to the church in March 2005 by a joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles, as the next Prophet-President...
, President (2005–present) - Christian ScienceChristian ScienceChristian Science is a system of thought and practice derived from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and the Bible. It is practiced by members of The First Church of Christ, Scientist as well as some others who are nonmembers. Its central texts are the Bible and the Christian Science textbook,...
- J. Thomas Black, Walter Jones, Chair, Nate Talbot, Mary Trammell, Vic Westberg (2005–present), Board of Directors - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) - Gordon B. HinckleyGordon B. HinckleyGordon Bitner Hinckley was an American religious leader and author who served as the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from March 12, 1995 until his death...
, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1995–2008) - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) - Thomas S. MonsonThomas S. MonsonThomas Spencer Monson is an American religious leader and author, and the 16th and current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . As president, Monson is considered by adherents of the religion to be a "prophet, seer, and revelator" of God's will on earth...
, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2008–present) - General Church of the New JerusalemGeneral Church of the New JerusalemThe General Church of the New Jerusalem is an international church based in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, and based on the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the theological works of Emanuel Swedenborg...
(SwedenborgianSwedenborgianA Swedenborgian is the doctrines, beliefs, and practices of the Church of the New Jerusalem, and is an adjective describing a person or an organization that understands the Bible through the theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg....
) - Thomas L. Kline, Executive Bishop (2004–present) - Iglesia ni CristoIglesia ni CristoIglesia ni Cristo also known as INC, is the largest entirely indigenous Christian religious organization that originated from the Philippines and the largest independent church in Asia. Due to a number of similarities, some Protestant writers describe the INC's doctrines as restorationist in...
- Eraño G. ManaloEraño G. ManaloEraño de Guzman Manalo , also known as Ka Erdy, was the second Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo, serving from 1963 until 2009. He took over the administration of the church after the death of his father, Felix Manalo, in 1963. He was instrumental in the propagation and expansion of the...
(1963–present) - Jehovah's WitnessesJehovah's WitnessesJehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity. The religion reports worldwide membership of over 7 million adherents involved in evangelism, convention attendance of over 12 million, and annual...
-- Governing Body of Jehovah's WitnessesGoverning Body of Jehovah's WitnessesThe Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is the ruling council of Jehovah's Witnesses based in Brooklyn, New York. The body assumes responsibility for formulating policy and doctrines, producing material for publications and conventions, and administering its worldwide branch office staff...
- John Barr (1977–2010), Samuel Herd (1999–present), Geoffrey Jackson (2005–present), Theodore Jaracz (1974–2010), Steve Lett (1999–present), Gerrit Lösch (1994–present), Anthony Morris (2005–present), Guy Pierce (1999–present), David Splane (1999–present) - Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of PennsylvaniaWatch Tower Bible and Tract Society of PennsylvaniaThe Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is a non-stock, not-for-profit organization headquartered in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, United States. It is the main legal entity used worldwide by Jehovah's Witnesses to direct, administer and develop doctrines for the religion...
- Don A. AdamsDon A. AdamsDon Alden Adams is the current president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, the principal corporation of Jehovah's Witnesses.- Biography :...
, President (2000–present)
- Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
- Kimbanguist ChurchKimbanguismKimbanguism is a branch of Christianity founded by Simon Kimbangu in what was then the Belgian Congo . The church's name is the Kimbanguist Church , and is a large, independent African Initiated...
- Simon Kimbangu Kiangani (1992–present) - Members Church of God InternationalMembers Church of God InternationalThe Members Church of God International is an independent Christian organization with headquarters in the Philippines. The Church of God International is colloquially known through its flagship international television program, Ang Dating Daan...
- Eliseo F. Soriano, Presiding Minister (1977–present) - Mita CongregationMita CongregationThe Mita Congregation is a Christian congregation based in Puerto Rico. The congregation has chapters in the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico El Salvador, Spain, and in the Dominican Republic...
- Teofilo Vargas Sein (1970–present) - National Council of Churches USA - Robert W. EdgarRobert W. EdgarRev. Dr. Robert William Edgar is president and CEO of Common Cause, a nonpartisan government watchdog organization, effective May 2007. He served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 1987, representing the 7th district of Pennsylvania...
, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA (2000–present) - New Apostolic ChurchNew Apostolic ChurchThe New Apostolic Church is a chiliastic church, converted to Protestantism as a free church from the Catholic Apostolic Church. The church has existed since 1879 in Germany and since 1897 in the Netherlands...
- Wilhelm LeberWilhelm LeberWilhelm Leber is a German mathematician and minister in the New Apostolic Church.-Life:Wilhelm Leber was born in Herford in Westphalia. In 1975 he earned his doctorate in mathematics at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main with a dissertation entitled Konvergenzbegriffe für...
, Chief ApostleChief ApostleThe Chief Apostle is the highest minister in the New Apostolic Church, and has existed since 1896.-History:The term "Chief Apostle" was first used officially to describe Jesus Christ in the New Covenant Scriptures, Book of Hebrews, Chapter 3, verse 1, where he is also called the High Priest...
of the New Apostolic ChurchNew Apostolic ChurchThe New Apostolic Church is a chiliastic church, converted to Protestantism as a free church from the Catholic Apostolic Church. The church has existed since 1879 in Germany and since 1897 in the Netherlands...
(2005–present) - Providence ChurchProvidence (religion)Providence is a Christian religious movement most notable for its bible study formerly called the 30 lessons, for the controversies surrounding its founder, and its fast growth...
- Jung Myung SeokJung Myung SeokJung Myung-Seok is the founder of an international organization called Providence. He is also known by the names of Joshua Jung, Joshua Lee Jung, Joshua Lee, and JMS....
(1980–present) - ShakersShakersThe United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, known as the Shakers, is a religious sect originally thought to be a development of the Religious Society of Friends...
- Sister Frances Carr (acts as Eldress and Trustee if not as leader per se as the group is egalitarian) (?-present) - Swedenborgian Church of North AmericaSwedenborgian Church of North AmericaThe Swedenborgian Church in North America . The Administrative Offices of the denomination are located at 11 Highland Avenue, Newton, MA.-Beliefs:...
- Christine Laitner, President (2003–present) - Unification ChurchUnification ChurchThe Unification Church is a new religious movement founded by Korean religious leader Sun Myung Moon. In 1954, the Unification Church was formally and legally established in Seoul, South Korea, as The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity . In 1994, Moon gave the church...
- Sun Myung MoonSun Myung MoonSun Myung Moon is the Korean founder and leader of the worldwide Unification Church. He is also the founder of many other organizations and projects...
(1954–present) - Unitarian Universalist AssociationUnitarian Universalist AssociationUnitarian Universalist Association , in full the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in North America, is a liberal religious association of Unitarian Universalist congregations formed by the consolidation in 1961 of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of...
- William G. SinkfordWilliam G. SinkfordThe Rev. William G. Sinkford was elected the seventh president of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in 2001. Sinkford was elected to his second and final term as president in 2005. His installation as president made him the first African American to lead the organization. He...
, President (2001–2009) - Universal Church of the Kingdom of GodUniversal Church of the Kingdom of GodUniversal Church of the Kingdom of God is a Pentecostal Christian organisation established in Brazil on July 9, 1977, with a presence in many countries...
- Edir Macedo (1979–present) - World Council of ChurchesWorld Council of ChurchesThe World Council of Churches is a worldwide fellowship of 349 global, regional and sub-regional, national and local churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service. It is a Christian ecumenical organization that is based in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland...
- Samuel KobiaSamuel KobiaRev Dr Samuel Kobia , is a Methodist clergyman and the first African to be elected General Secretary of the World Council of Churches , a worldwide fellowship of 349 global, regional and local churches representing a Christian population of over 590 million people...
, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (2004–present)
Shia Islam
Note: It should be mentioned that in Shi'a Islam, apart from the Twelfth ImamImamah (Shi'a twelver doctrine)
Imāmah means "leadership" and it is a part of the Shi'a theology. The Twelve Imams are the spiritual and political successors to Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, in the Twelver or Ithna Ashariya branch of Shia Islam....
currently in occultation, there are no religious leaders. The highest religious authorities in Shi'a Islam are the few marja
Marja
Marja , also known as a marja-i taqlid or marja dini , literally means "Source to Imitate/Follow" or "Religious Reference"...
s, or Grand Ayatollahs, who give their interpretation (ijtihad
Ijtihad
Ijtihad is the making of a decision in Islamic law by personal effort , independently of any school of jurisprudence . as opposed to taqlid, copying or obeying without question....
) of religious laws.
- Muhammad al-MahdiMuhammad al-MahdiMuḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-Mahdī is believed by Twelver Shī‘a Muslims to be the Mahdī, an ultimate savior of humankind and the final Imām of the Twelve Imams...
- the current and final Shia Imam, thought to be in occultation. - Ayatollah Sistani - One of the Grand Ayatollah's in IraqIraqIraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
, considered to be the leading Shia religious authority. - Ayatollah Ali KhameneiAli KhameneiAyatollah Seyed Ali Hoseyni Khāmene’i is the Supreme Leader of Iran and the figurative head of the Muslim conservative establishment in Iran and Twelver Shi'a marja...
- The Supreme Leader of IranSupreme Leader of IranThe Supreme Leader of Iran is the highest ranking political and religious authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The post was established by the constitution in accordance with the concept of Guardianship of the Islamic Jurists...
and officially the Spiritual Leader of Hezbollah. - Ayatollah Fadlallah - The only Grand Ayatollah in LebanonLebanonLebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. Often thought to be the spiritual leader of Hezbollah, a claim that Fadlallah and Hezbollah deny. - Ayatollah Montazeri - The one-time successor of Ruhollah KhomeiniRuhollah KhomeiniGrand Ayatollah Sayyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini was an Iranian religious leader and politician, and leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution which saw the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran...
. - Ayatollah Bashir NajafiAyatollah Bashir NajafiGrand Ayatollah Sheikh Basheer Hussain Najafi is one of the six Grand Ayatollahs in Iraq. He was born in Jalandhar, a city in then British India. After the division of British India in 1947, his family moved to Pakistan and settled in the city of Gujranwala. In Gujranwala he had his initial...
- One of the important Grand Ayatollah's in Iraq. Originally from PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
, he has spent almost his entire life in An-Najaf. - Hasan Nasrallah, the current Secretary-General of Hezbollah.
- BektashiBektashiBektashi Order or Bektashism is an Islamic Sufi order founded in the 13th century by the Persian saint Haji Bektash Veli. In addition to the spiritual teachings of Haji Bektash Veli the order was significantly influenced during its formative period by both the Hurufis as well as the...
Community - Haxhi Reshat Bardhi Dedebaba (1993–present) - Ayatollah Muhammad Hussain Najafi - The only MarjaMarjaMarja , also known as a marja-i taqlid or marja dini , literally means "Source to Imitate/Follow" or "Religious Reference"...
in PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. - Allama Talib JauhriAllama Talib JauhriAllama Talib Jauhari is a Pakistani Islamic scholar, religious leader, public speaker, Urdu poet and philosopher from the Shi'ite sect of Islam who holds the position of Zakir-e-Sham-e-Ghariban on GEO TV in 2007 and on Pakistan Television for several years.He has delivered speeches on Islamic...
- A leading and influential scholar in PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. - Maulana Sadiq Hasan - A leading and influential religious scholar in PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
known for his speciality in Fiqh. - Kalbe Sadiq - Leading Shia cleric in IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and the vice-president of the All India personal Muslim Law Board. - Kalbe JawadKalbe JawadHujjat al-Islam Imam-e-Juma Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi is a Shi'a scholar from Lucknow, India.-Family background:...
- A leading cleric in IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. - Professor Abdul Hakeem - A leading and influential scholar in PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. - Maulana Taqi Mehdavi - A young and a promising religious scholar in Karachi, Pakistan.
Sunni Islam
Note: It is important to mention Sunni IslamIslam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
has no leaders as the term is understood in the Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
world. There is currently no caliph
Caliph
The Caliph is the head of state in a Caliphate, and the title for the ruler of the Islamic Ummah, an Islamic community ruled by the Shari'ah. It is a transcribed version of the Arabic word which means "successor" or "representative"...
. Even when the caliphate was active it was not equivalent to a "Pope" or "Dalai Lama". In fact such a thing could well be deemed shirk
Shirk (polytheism)
In Islam, shirk is the sin of idolatry or polytheism. i.e. the deification or worship of anyone or anything other than the singular God, or more literally the establishment of "partners" placed beside God...
in orthodox Sunni circles. The following people are mentioned to add Sunni content as they are leading figures.
- Al-Azhar UniversityAl-Azhar UniversityAl-Azhar University is an educational institute in Cairo, Egypt. Founded in 970~972 as a madrasa, it is the chief centre of Arabic literature and Islamic learning in the world. It is the oldest degree-granting university in Egypt. In 1961 non-religious subjects were added to its curriculum.It is...
الأزهر الشريف - Muhammad Sayid Tantawy, Imam (?-present) - Egyptian Muslim Scholar- Shaikh al-Islam Yusuf al-QaradawiYusuf al-QaradawiYusuf al-Qaradawi is a controversial Egyptian Islamic theologian. He is best known for his programme, ash-Shariah wal-Hayat , broadcast on Al Jazeera, which has an estimated audience of 60 million worldwide...
- Jerusalem - Sheikh Ekrima Sa'id SabriEkrima Sa'id SabriSheikh Ekrima Sa'id Sabri was the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine from October 1994 to July 1, 2006. He was appointed by Yasser Arafat.He has a doctorate from Al Azhar University in Egypt on the “Islamic Endowment Between Theory and Practice”....
, Grand Mufti of JerusalemGrand MuftiThe title of Grand Mufti refers to the highest official of religious law in a Sunni or Ibadi Muslim country. The Grand Mufti issues legal opinions and edicts, fatwā, on interpretations of Islamic law for private clients or to assist judges in deciding cases...
(As a Grand Mufti he has a degree of legal authority in Sunni Islam without being its leader) (?-present) - EgyptEgyptEgypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
- Shaikh Ali GomaaAli GomaaSheikh Ali Goma'a is the Grand Mufti of Egypt through Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah succeeding Ahmad El-Tayeb. He has been called "one of the most widely respected jurists in the Sunni Muslim world," and described as "a highly promoted champion of moderate Islam," gender equality, and an "object of...
, Grand Mufti of Arab Republic of EgyptIslam in EgyptThe republic of Egypt has recognized Islam as the state religion since 1980. Egypt is predominantly Muslim, with around 80 million Muslims, comprising 94.7% of the population, as of 2010...
(?-present) - PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
- Shaikh Muhammad Rafi UsmaniMuhammad Rafi UsmaniMuhammad Rafi Uthmani is the renowned religious authority in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He is serving as the crrent Grand Mufti of Pakistan and President of Darul Uloom Karachi. He is the son of the late Mufti Muhammad Shafi Uthmani, the founder of Darul Ulum Karachi. He is recognized for...
, Grand Mufti of Islamic Republic of PakistanIslam in PakistanIslam is the official religion of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which has a population of about 174,578,558. The overwhelming majority of the Pakistani people are Muslims while the remaining 3-5% are Christian, Hindu, and others. Pakistan has the second largest Muslim population in the world...
(?-present) - Saudi ArabiaSaudi ArabiaThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
- Shaikh Abdul-Azeez ibn Abdullaah Aal ash-ShaikhAbdul-Azeez ibn Abdullaah Aal ash-ShaikhAbd al-'Aziz ibn 'Abd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Lateef Aal ash-Shaikh is a Muslim scholar and the current Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia.-Biography:...
, Grand Mufti of Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaIslam in Saudi ArabiaIslam in Saudi Arabia is the sole official religion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose territory was the birthplace of the Muslim religion. Arabian trader Muhammad, resident of the city of Mecca in the Hejaz region, is the prophet of Islam. He unified the diverse tribes of the Arabian peninsula...
(?-present) - TunisiaTunisiaTunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
- Shaikh Kamal-u-Din Ja'eit, Grand Mufti of TunisiaIslam in TunisiaIslam is the official state religion in Tunisia. Approximately 98 percent of the population of Tunisia is nominally Muslim. Most of them are Sunni belonging to the Malikite madhhab, but a small number of Ibadhi Muslims still exist among the Berber-speakers of Jerba Island. There is no reliable...
(?-present) - UzbekistanUzbekistanUzbekistan , officially the Republic of Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country in Central Asia and one of the six independent Turkic states. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the west and to the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, and Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south....
- Shaikh Abdurahman Bakhromov, Grand Mufti of UzbekistanIslam in UzbekistanIslam is by far the dominant religion in Uzbekistan, as Muslims constitute 90% of the population while 5% of the population follow Russian Orthodox Christianity according to a 2009 US State Department release. However, a 2009 Pew Research Center report stated that Uzbekistan's population is 96.3%...
(?-present) - Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
- Shaikh Mustafa Ef. CerićMustafa Ef. CericDr. Mustafa ef. Cerić is the Grand Mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina. He is currently serving his second 7-year term as the Grand Mufti until 2013. He is fluent in Bosnian, English and Arabic, and cites a “passive knowledge” of Turkish, German and French...
, Grand Mufti of Bosnia and HerzegovinaIslam in Bosnia and HerzegovinaMuslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina are a little under two million in number and constitute 40 percent of the country's population . The modern Bosniaks, often referred to as Bosnian Muslims, descend from Slavic speakers who converted to Islam in the 15th and 16th centuries. Bosniaks are...
(?-present) - RussiaRussiaRussia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
- Shaikh Ravil Gainutdin, Grand Mufti of Russian FederationIslam in RussiaIslam is the second most widely professed religion in the Russian Federation. According to a poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, 6% of respondents considered themselves Muslims. According to Reuters, Muslim minorities make up a seventh of Russia's population...
(?-present) - FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
- Shaikh Soheib BencheikhSoheib BencheikhSoheib Bencheikh is an Islamic religious leader and author and would-be French politician.Bencheikh graduated in Islamic theology at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, and at the Free University of Brussels, Belgium. He holds a doctorate in Religious Sciences from the Ecole Pratique des Hautes...
, Grand Mufti of FranceIslam in FranceIslam is the second most widely practiced religion in France by number of worshippers, with an estimated total of 5 to 10 percent of the national population.-Statistics:...
(?-present)
Islam: Others
- Ahmadiyya Muslim CommunityAhmadiyya Muslim CommunityThe Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the larger of two communities that arose from the Ahmadiyya movement founded in 1889 in India by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian . The original movement split into two factions soon after the death of the founder...
- Khalifatul MasihKhalifatul MasihKhalifatul Masih sometimes simply referred to as Khalifah is the elected spiritual leader of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and is the successor of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian...
V, Mirza Masroor AhmadMirza Masroor AhmadHis Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad is Khalifatul Masih V, the spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He was elected as the fifth successor of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad on April 22, 2003, a few days after the death of his predecessor Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the fourth Caliph for the Ahmadiiya...
(2003–present) - Lahore Ahmadiyya MovementLahore Ahmadiyya MovementThe Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation of Islam, Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam Lahore , also known as the Lahoris, formed as a result of ideological differences within the Ahmadiyya movement, after the demise of Maulana Hakim Noor-ud-Din in 1914, the first Khalifa after its founder,...
- Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed PashaAbdul Karim Saeed PashaAbdul Karim Saeed Pasha is the fifth and current Emir of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement. He was a medical doctor before being elected emir of the Lahori Jamaat....
(2002–present) - Dawoodi Bohras - Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (1965–present)
Jainism
- Federation of Jain Associations in North AmericaJainismJainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...
- Mr. Anop R. Vora, President (?-present) - TerapanthSwetembar TerapanthTerapanth is a reformist religious sect under Svetambara Jainism. The terapanthi sub-sect was founded by Acharya Bhikshu, also known as Swami Bhikanji Maharaj. Swami Bhikanji was formerly a Sthanakvasi saint and had initiation by Acharya Raghunatha. But he had differences with his Guru on several...
i Jains- H. H. Acharya MahaprajnaAcharya MahaprajnaAcharya Shri Mahapragya was the tenth Acharya, supreme head of the Svetambar Terapanth sect of Jainism. Mahapragya was a highly venerable saint, yogi, spiritual leader, philosopher, author, orator, poet....
(1995–present)
Judaism
- IsraelIsraelThe State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
(Ashkenazi) - Yona MetzgerYona MetzgerYona Metzger is the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel. His counterpart is Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel since their appointments in 2003.-Background:...
, Chief RabbiChief RabbiChief Rabbi is a title given in several countries to the recognized religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities...
(2003–present) - List of Hasidic dynasties lists each of the current leaders or "Rebbes"
- IsraelIsraelThe State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
(Sephardic) - Shlomo AmarShlomo AmarRabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar has been the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel and the Rishon LeZion since his appointment in 2003. His colleague is Rabbi Yona Metzger, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel....
, Chief RabbiChief RabbiChief Rabbi is a title given in several countries to the recognized religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities...
(2003–present) - TurkeyTurkeyTurkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
- Isak Haleva, Chief RabbiChief RabbiChief Rabbi is a title given in several countries to the recognized religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities...
(2002–present) - United Hebrew Congregations of the CommonwealthCommonwealth of NationsThe Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
- Sir Jonathan SacksJonathan SacksJonathan Henry Sacks, Baron Sacks, Kt is the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. His Hebrew name is Yaakov Zvi...
, Chief RabbiChief RabbiChief Rabbi is a title given in several countries to the recognized religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities...
(1991–present) - IsraelIsraelThe State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i - Leader of the OrthodoxOrthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism , is the approach to Judaism which adheres to the traditional interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah as legislated in the Talmudic texts by the Sanhedrin and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and...
AshkenaziAshkenazi JewsAshkenazi Jews, also known as Ashkenazic Jews or Ashkenazim , are the Jews descended from the medieval Jewish communities along the Rhine in Germany from Alsace in the south to the Rhineland in the north. Ashkenaz is the medieval Hebrew name for this region and thus for Germany...
HarediHaredi JudaismHaredi or Charedi/Chareidi Judaism is the most conservative form of Orthodox Judaism, often referred to as ultra-Orthodox. A follower of Haredi Judaism is called a Haredi ....
non-HasidicHasidic JudaismHasidic Judaism or Hasidism, from the Hebrew —Ḥasidut in Sephardi, Chasidus in Ashkenazi, meaning "piety" , is a branch of Orthodox Judaism that promotes spirituality and joy through the popularisation and internalisation of Jewish mysticism as the fundamental aspects of the Jewish faith...
("Lithuanian JewsLithuanian JewsLithuanian Jews or Litvaks are Jews with roots in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania:...
") - Rabbi Yosef Shalom Eliashiv (?-present) - Orthodox UnionOrthodox UnionThe Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America , more popularly known as the Orthodox Union , is one of the oldest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. It is best known for its kosher food preparation supervision service...
- Stephen J. Savitsky, President of Lay Leadership (2004–present) - Rabbinical AssemblyRabbinical AssemblyThe Rabbinical Assembly is the international association of Conservative rabbis. The RA was founded in 1901 to shape the ideology, programs, and practices of the Conservative movement. It publishes prayerbooks and books of Jewish interest, and oversees the work of the Committee on Jewish Law and...
(Conservative JudaismConservative JudaismConservative Judaism is a modern stream of Judaism that arose out of intellectual currents in Germany in the mid-19th century and took institutional form in the United States in the early 1900s.Conservative Judaism has its roots in the school of thought known as Positive-Historical Judaism,...
) - Rabbi Perry Raphael Rank, President (?-present) - Rabbinical Council of AmericaRabbinical Council of AmericaThe Rabbinical Council of America is one of the world's largest organizations of Orthodox rabbis; it is affiliated with The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, more commonly known as the Orthodox Union, or OU...
(Orthodox JudaismOrthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism , is the approach to Judaism which adheres to the traditional interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah as legislated in the Talmudic texts by the Sanhedrin and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and...
) - Rabbi Dale Polakoff (?-present) - Union for Reform JudaismUnion for Reform JudaismThe Union for Reform Judaism , formerly known as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations , is an organization which supports Reform Jewish congregations in North America. The current President is Rabbi Eric H...
- Eric YoffieEric YoffieEric H. Yoffie is a Reform rabbi, and president of the Union for Reform Judaism , the congregational arm of the Reform movement in North America which represents an estimated 1.5 million Reform Jews in more than 900 synagogues across the United States and Canada...
, President (1996–present) - CyprusCyprusCyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
- Arie Zeev RaskinArie Zeev RaskinRabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, born in 1976, is the Chief Rabbi of Cyprus and the first rabbi on the island in many years.He moved to Cyprus in 2003 with his wife Shaindel and their children in an effort to introduce Jewish life onto the island. He had previously lived in Kiryat Malachi in Israel. He is...
, Chief RabbiChief RabbiChief Rabbi is a title given in several countries to the recognized religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities...
(2005–present)
Note: As with Islam these leaders may not necessarily have that much authority, it varies from group to group.
Sikhism
- SikhismSikhismSikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
- Joginder Singh Vedanti, leading figure (as the current Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib)
Western origin
- Mandaeanism - Satar Jabar Helo (?-present)
- YazidiYazidiThe Yazidi are members of a Kurdish religion with ancient Indo-Iranian roots. They are primarily a Kurdish-speaking people living in the Mosul region of northern Iraq, with additional communities in Transcaucasia, Armenia, Turkey, and Syria in decline since the 1990s – their members emigrating to...
- Prince Tahsin Sayid Beg - W.A.P.I. ZoroastriansZoroastrianismZoroastrianism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster and was formerly among the world's largest religions. It was probably founded some time before the 6th century BCE in Greater Iran.In Zoroastrianism, the Creator Ahura Mazda is all good, and no evil...
(Iranian Zoroastrians) - Areez P. Khambatta, Presdident - Bombay Parsi Punchayat (Zoroastrian, generally orthodox)ZoroastrianismZoroastrianism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster and was formerly among the world's largest religions. It was probably founded some time before the 6th century BCE in Greater Iran.In Zoroastrianism, the Creator Ahura Mazda is all good, and no evil...
- Minoo Shroff, President (2003?-present) - World Zoroastrian OrganizationZoroastrianismZoroastrianism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster and was formerly among the world's largest religions. It was probably founded some time before the 6th century BCE in Greater Iran.In Zoroastrianism, the Creator Ahura Mazda is all good, and no evil...
- Sammy H. Bhiwandiwalla, Chairman (2004–present)
Ramakrishna MissionRamakrishna MissionRamakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are twin organizations which form the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as Ramakrishna Movement or Vedanta Movement. The Ramakrishna Mission is a philanthropic, volunteer organization founded by Ramakrishna's chief disciple Swami Vivekananda on...
- Swami Gahanananda, 14th President (2005–2007)
- Swami AtmasthanandaSwami AtmasthanandaSwami Atmasthananda is the fifteenth president of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. He was elected to that position on 3 December 2007 by the trustees of the Ramakrishna Order...
, 15th President (2007–present)
New Religions
Some of these new religions are classified as "sects" in several countries.Eastern or Hindu derived
- Falun GongFalun GongFalun Gong is a spiritual discipline first introduced in China in 1992 by its founder, Li Hongzhi, through public lectures. It combines the practice of meditation and slow-moving qigong exercises with the moral philosophy...
- Li HongzhiLi HongzhiLi Hongzhi is the founder and spiritual master of Falun Gong , a "system of mind-body cultivation" in the qigong tradition. Li Hongzhi introduced Falun Gong on 13 May 1992 in Changchun, and subsequently gave lectures and taught Falun Gong exercises across China...
, Foundator (1992–present) - Sathya Sai BabaSathya Sai BabaŚri Sathya Sai Baba , born as Sathyanarayana Raju was an Indian guru, spiritual figure, mystic, philanthropist, and educator. He claimed to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi, a spiritual saint and miracle worker who died in 1918 and whose teachings were an eclectic blend of Hindu and...
- Sathya Sai BabaSathya Sai BabaŚri Sathya Sai Baba , born as Sathyanarayana Raju was an Indian guru, spiritual figure, mystic, philanthropist, and educator. He claimed to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi, a spiritual saint and miracle worker who died in 1918 and whose teachings were an eclectic blend of Hindu and...
(?-present) - Rissho Kosei KaiRissho Kosei Kaiis a Japanese Buddhist lay movement founded in 1938 by Nikkyo Niwano and Myoko Naganuma.-History:Rissho Kosei-kai was founded on March 5, 1938 by Nikkyo Niwano and Myoko Naganuma, both former members of the Buddhist sect Reiyūkai. Rev. Niwano met Ms. Naganuma while he was engaged in missionary work...
- Nichiko Niwano, President (?-present) - Soka Gakkai - Minoru HaradaMinoru Haradais a Japanese Buddhist leader. He became the sixth president of the Sōka Gakkai in November 2006 following the resignation of Einosuke Akiya from the position.-Soka Gakkai Pesidency:...
(2006–present)
Speculative science derived
- ScientologyScientologyScientology is a body of beliefs and related practices created by science fiction and fantasy author L. Ron Hubbard , starting in 1952, as a successor to his earlier self-help system, Dianetics...
-- David MiscavigeDavid MiscavigeDavid Miscavige is the leader of the Church of Scientology and affiliated organizations. His title is Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center , a corporation that controls the trademarked names and symbols of Dianetics and Scientology. Miscavige was an assistant to Hubbard while a...
, http://davidmiscavige.rtc.org/eng/bio/miscavige.htm President of the Religious Technology Center (1982–present), "highest ecclesiastical official of the Scientology religion" (1986–present) - Heber JentzschHeber JentzschHeber Carl Jentzsch has served as president of the Church of Scientology International since 1982.-Biography:Heber Jentzsch grew up in a Mormon family, and identified himself as a "believing Mormon". He is the son of polygamist Carl Jentzsch and Carl's third wife Pauline; Heber has 42 siblings...
, http://www.scientology.org/scnnews/jentzsch.htm official president of the Church of ScientologyChurch of ScientologyThe Church of Scientology is an organization devoted to the practice and the promotion of the Scientology belief system. The Church of Scientology International is the Church of Scientology's parent organization, and is responsible for the overall ecclesiastical management, dissemination and...
(1982–present)
- David Miscavige
External links
- http://www.rulers.org/relig.html
- http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/
- http://www.faswebdesign.com/ECPA/ (Eastern Catholic Churches) http://www.eleves.ens.fr/home/sray/seca/ (Byzantine structures and Oriental Catholic Churches)
- http://home.wanadoo.nl/arjen.nandita2/uhj-members-timeline.htm (Baha´i Faith, Timeline of members of the Universal House of Justice)
- http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=197 (Bogdo Gegeen)
- http://www.zanabazar.mn/Life/javzandamba.html (Bogdo Gegeen) http://www.orthodoxie.com
- http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org