In 1527, at the time of the visitation throughout electoral Saxony, the consistory appointed certain pastors as “superintendents” over specific districts. In other territorial churches “inspectors” were also instituted. To them were given the episcopal tasks (Bishop, Episcopate) of ordination and visitation. The Rhenish Westphalian order used the term “preses” in a similar synodical structure (Synod).

Superintendents, appointed by synods or congregations, both represent and coordinate. The appointment is only for a time and goes along with pastoral d…