What is the difference between autonomous and autocephalous?
A. Autonomous generally applies to a religious house or society in that they are their own highest authority in matters of internal administration and discipline. Strictly speaking most monasteries are autonomous, that is self regulating and free from interference from local dioceses. They are subject to the Mother Church in matters of Faith and Morals, for the confirmation of the Abbot or Prior and for Ordinations. Autocephalous means self-headed, that is that not only are they self regulating but they can elect and consecrate their own bishops. Have their own council of bishops, Canon Laws, etc… Such a Church is independent of any Mother Church. The only difference between both terms is that one has the authority to elect or nominate and consecrate their own bishops while an autonomous society can not. As a general rule Autocephalous Churches are headed by a patriarch.
