mother church
The term "mother church" often refers to a principal or original church within a Christian tradition, playing a central role in the spiritual and administrative life of its community.
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Definition
B2Christianity
(general)A principal church of a region or diocese, often the oldest or most historically significant.
Example
- The cathedral is considered the mother church of the diocese.
B2Christianity
(general)The original church from which other churches have been founded or derived.
Example
- The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is often regarded as the mother church of Christianity.
B2Christianity
(general)A church seen as the spiritual and administrative center of a religious community or denomination.
Example
- The Vatican serves as the mother church for Catholics worldwide.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "mother church":