Autocephalous and autonomous Orthodox churches are forms of self-government within Eastern or other Orthodoxy. An autocephalous church elects its own primate independently; an autonomous church governs many internal affairs while retaining a defined relationship with a mother church.
Conciliar order
Each local church is governed synodally by its bishops. Communion rests upon common faith and sacraments rather than incorporation into a single centralized administration.
Recognition
The number and status of autocephalous churches are not always agreed unanimously. Disputes may concern territory, historical precedent, or the authority by which autocephaly is granted.