The Empty Chair Near The Alter
No matter how full an Episcopal church may be on Sunday, chances are no one will be sitting in a sometimes ornate chair located somewhere near the alter. This special seat is a sign and symbol of the unity and authority that comes from the particular way Episcopalians have of organizing themselves: it's the bishop's chair.
The bishop has one main seat; its Latin name is cathedra. This is where we get the word cathedral; literally, the place where the bishop is seated. However, bishops get out a lot, regularly visiting parishes, which is why we keep a seat for them. this is a reminder not only of the authority of the bishop, but of the bishop's prayers and presence with us. The empty chair, then, serves as a reminder for us to pray for our bishop as well.
Source: The Episcopal Handbook (New York, NY Church Publishing Incorporated 0228) p.50.
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