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Lists of religious leaders by century: |
See also: |
This is a list of the top-level leaders for religious groups with at least 50,000 adherents, and that led anytime since January 1, 2001. It should likewise only name leaders listed on other articles and lists.
Buddhism
- Tep Vong, Great Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia (2006–2024)
- Thích Nhất Hạnh, (1926–2022)
- Einosuke Akiya, President (1981–2006)
- Minoru Harada, President (2006–present)
- Nyanasamvara Suvaddhana, 19th Somdet Phra and Supreme Patriarch (1989–2013)
- Ariyavongsagatanana IX, 20th Somdet Phra and Supreme Patriarch (2017–present)
Tibetan Buddhism
- Dalai Lama of the Gelug (Yellow Hat school) —
- Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (1940–present)
- Mongolia
- Jebtsundamba Khutuktu of the Gelug in Mongolia —
- Jambalnamdolchoyjijantsan, 9th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu (1991–2012)
- Altannaryn Aguidai (or) Achiltai, 10th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu (2023-present)
- Russia
- Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia —
- Damba Ayusheev, 24th Pandito Khambo Lama (1995–present)
Christianity
Catholicism
- John Paul II, Pope (1978–2005)
- Benedict XVI, Pope (2005–2013)
- Francis, Pope (2013–present)
- Eastern Catholic Churches sui iuris
-
- Lubomyr Husar, Major Archbishop (2001–2011)
- Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Major Archbishop (2011–present)
- Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, Patriarch (1986–2011)
- Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, Patriarch (2011–present)
- Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop (1999–2011)
- George Alencherry, Major Archbishop (2011–2023)
- Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop (2024–present)
- Independent Catholic groups
- Old Roman Catholic Church in Europe –
- Jerome Lloyd, Metropolitan Archbishop (2012–present)
-
- John Florentine Teruel, Patriarch (1995–2021)
- Juan Almario Calampiano, Patriarch (2021–present)
-
- Tomás Millamena, Supreme Bishop (1999–2005)
- Godofredo J. David, Supreme Bishop (2005–2011)
- Ephraim Fajutagana, Supreme Bishop (2011–2017)
- Rhee Timbang, Supreme Bishop (2017–2023)
- Joel Porlares, Supreme Bishop (2023-present)
Eastern Orthodoxy
Full Communion
- Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (complete list), the first among equals in Eastern Orthodoxy –
- Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (1991–present)
- Peter VII, Patriarch of Alexandria (1997–2004)
- Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria (2004–present)
- Ignatius IV (Hazim), Patriarch of Antioch (1979–2012)
- John X (Yazigi), Patriarch of Antioch (2012–present)
- Irenaios I, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem (2001–2005)
- Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem (2005–present)
- Anastasios (Yannoulatos), Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania (1992–present)
- Maxim, Patriarch of All Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia (1971–2012)
- Neofit, Patriarch of All Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia (2013–2024)
- Daniil, Patriarch of All Bulgaria and Metropolitan of Sofia (2024-present)
- Chrysostomos I, Archbishop of Nea Justiniana and All Cyprus (1977–2006)
- Chrysostomos II, Archbishop of Nea Justiniana and All Cyprus (2006–2022)
- George III, Archbishop of Nea Justiniana and All Cyprus (2022–present)
- Nicholas of Presov, Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia (2000–2006)
- Christopher of Prague, Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia (2006–2014)
- Rastilav of Presov, Metropolitan of the Czech Lands and Slovakia (2014–present)
- Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia (1977–present)
- Christodoulos of Athens, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece (1998–2008)
- Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece (2008–present)
- Sawa (Hrycuniak) of Poland, Metropolitan of Warsaw and All Poland (1998–present)
- Teoctist I, Patriarch of All Romania (1986–2007)
- Daniel Ciobotea, Patriarch of All Romania (2007–present)
- Alexy II of Russia, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (1990–2008)
- Kirill I, acting (2008–2009), Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (2009–present)
- Pavle, Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci, and Serbian Patriarch (1990–2009)
- Irinej, Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci, and Serbian Patriarch (2010–2020)
- Porfirije, Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci, and Serbian Patriarch (2021–present)
- John Rinne, Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland (1987–2001)
- Leo Makkonen Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland (2001–present)
- Greek Orthodox Church of Epirus - Metropolitan Mar Melchizedek (2021-present)
Partial Communion
- Orthodox Church in America, North America (complete list) –
- Theodosius (Lazor), Archbishop of New York, Metropolitan of All America and Canada (1977–1980)
- Theodosius (Lazor), Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada (1981–2002)
- Herman (Swaiko), Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada (2002–2005)
- Herman (Swaiko), Archbishop of Washington and New York, Metropolitan of All America and Canada (2005–2008)
- Jonah (Paffhausen), Archbishop of Washington and New York, Metropolitan of All America and Canada (2008–2009)
- Jonah (Paffhausen), Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada (2009–2012)
- Tikhon, Metropolitan of All America and Canada (2012–present)
Oriental Orthodoxy
- Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians (1999–present)
- Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia (1995–present)
- Shenouda III of Alexandria, Pope and Patriarch (1971–2012)
- Theodoros II of Alexandria, Pope and Patriarch (Pope Tawadros II) (2012–present)
- Abune Phillipos, Patriarch (1999–2001)
- Abune Yacob, Patriarch (2002–2003)
- Abune Antonios, Patriarch (2004–2007)
- Abune Dioskoros, Patriarch (2007–2015)
- Abune Qerlos, Patriarch (2021–2022)
- Abune Paulos, Abuna and Patriarch (1992–2012)
- Abune Mathias, Abuna and Patriarch (2013–present)
- Ignatius Zakka I Iwas (1980–2014)
- Ignatius Aphrem II Karim (2014–present)
- Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan (1991–2005)
- Baselios Mar Thoma Didymos I, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan (2005–2010)
- Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan (2010–2021)
- Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan (2021–present)
- Joseph Mar Koorilose IX (1986–2001)
- Cyril Mar Baselios I (2001–present)
Protestantism
- Kevin Mannoia, President (1999–2001)
- Leith Anderson, President (2002–2003)
- Ted Haggard, President (2003–2006)
- Leith Anderson, President (2006–2019)
- Walter Kim, President (2020–present)
Baptist
- General Secretaries
- Denton Lotz (1988–2007)
- Neville Callam (2008–present)
- Billy Kim (2000–2005)
- David Coffey (2005–2010)
- John Upton (2010–present)
- Africa
- Mateus Chaves, President (c. 2010)
- Alexandre Melo Chilanda, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- President
- Uche Enyioha, President (c. 2010)
- General Secretary and CEO
- S. T. Ola Akande, General Secretary
- S. Ola Fadeji, General Secretary
- Solomon Ademola Ishola, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- Asia
- Paku Karen Baptist Association (Burma) –
- Letta, Executive Secretary
- Kooler, Executive Secretary
- Augustus Spurgeon, Executive Secretary
- Caleb Paw, Executive Secretary
- Paul Htoo, Executive Secretary (c. 2010)
- Arleen D. Fidel, Chairman (2004–present)
- India
- O. Alem, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- T. Ch. Immanuel, President (2006–present)
- M. Ashok Kumar, Secretary (2006–present)
- Vumthang Sitlhou, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- Rajani Kaipeng, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- Eurasia, regional
- Euro-Asian Federation of Evangelical Christians-Baptists Unions —
- Alexey Smirnov, President (2012–present)
- International Union of Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists —
- Gennadi Kryuchkov, Chairman (1962–2007)
- Nikolay Antonyuk, Chairman (2008–present)
- Eurasia, national
- Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia — Malkhaz Songulashvili, Bishop (present)
- Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists —
- Peter Konovalchuk, President (1994–2002)
- Yuri Sipko, President (2002–2010)
- Alexey Smirnov, President (2010–2018)
- Peter Mickiewicz, President (2018–present)
- Frans G. Tissen, President (present)
- Europe, regional
- Tony Peck, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- Jimmy Martin, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- Europe, national
- Paul Negruţ, President (?–2007)
- Otniel Bunaciu, President (2007–present)
- Borzási István, President (c. 2010)
- United Kingdom
- Jonathan Edwards, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- North America
- Canada
- Jamey McDonald, Executive Director (c. 2010)
- Gary Vincent Nelson, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- Jan Paasuke, President of the Board (c. 2010)
- Roger Fellows, General Coordinator (2001–NA)
- Mark Hudson, General Coordinator (c. 2010)
- United States
- Brooks Wicker, President (c. 2010)
- A. Roy Medley, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- Gordon Taylor, Coordinator (2008–present)
- Linzy Slayden, President (c. 2010)
- Jerry Sheveland, President (c. 2010)
- J. Brent Walker – Executive Director (1999–2016)
- Amanda Tyler - Executive Director (2017–present)
- John David Smith, Executive Director, (2010–present)
- Cheryl Dudley, President, (2008–2011)
- Stephen LeBar, Executive Director (2004–2009)
- Stan Rieb, National Network Facilitator, (2009–present)
- Daniel Vestal, Coordinator (1996–present)
- Eugene Dickerson, Moderator (c. 2010)
- Roger Ball, President (c. 2010)
- Paul S. Morton, International Presiding Bishop (1994–present)
- John Vaughn, President (c. 2010)
- James Murray, interim Executive Director (c. 2010)
- John Greening, National Representative (c. 2010)
- Stephen J. Thurston, President (c. 2010)
- Samuel C. Tolbert, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- William J. Shaw, President (1999–2009)
- Julius R. Scruggs, President (2009–2014)
- Jerry Young, President (2014–present)
- Rob McCleland, Executive Director (c. 2010)
- Paul Hagen, General Superintendent (c. 2010)
- Delmar Rogers, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- General Secretary
- Walter Parrish III, General Secretary (c. 2010)
- President
- T. DeWitt Smith, Jr., President (?–2010)
- Carroll A. Baltimore, President (2010–2014)
- James C. Perkins, President (2014–present)
- James Merritt, President (2000–2002)
- Jack Graham, President (2002–2004)
- Bobby Welch, President (2004–2006)
- Frank S. Page, President (2006–2008)
- Johnny M. Hunt, President (2008–2010)
- Bryant Wright, President (2010–2011)
- Fred Luter, President (2012–2014)
- Ronnie Floyd, President (2014–2016)
- Steve Gaines, President (2016–2018)
- J.D. Greear, President (2018–2021)
- Ed Litton, President (2021–2022)
- Bart Barber, President (2022–2024)
- Clint Pressley, President (2024–present)
- Henry J. Rodmon, General Bishop (c. 2010)
Holiness
- Christian and Missionary Alliance (U.S.) –
- David Rambo, President (c. 1987–2005)
- Gary Benedict, President (2005–2013)
- John A. Knight, General Superintendent (1985–2001)
- William J. Prince, General Superintendent (1989–2001)
- James Diehl, General Superintendent (1993–2009)
- Paul Cunningham, General Superintendent (1993–2009)
- Jerry D. Porter, General Superintendent (1997–2017)
- Jim Bond, General Superintendent (1997–2005)
- W. Talmadge Johnson, General Superintendent (2001–2005)
- Jesse Middendorf, General Superintendent (2001–2013)
- Nina Gunter, General Superintendent (2005–2009)
- J. K. Warrick, General Superintendent (2005–2017)
- Eugenio Duarte, General Superintendent (2009–present)
- David W. Graves, General Superintendent (2009–2023)
- Stan Toler, General Superintendent (2009–2017)
- David Busic, General Superintendent (2013–present)
- Carla Sunberg, General Superintendent (2017–present)
- Robert Barney Dallenbach, General Superintendent (2000–2008)
- Joseph Gross, General Superintendent (2008–present)
- John Gowans, General (1999–2002)
- John Larsson, General (2002–2006)
- Shaw Clifton, General (2006–2011)
- Linda Bond, General (2011–2013)
- André Cox, General (2013–2018)
- Brian Peddle, General (2018–2023)
- Lyndon Buckingham, General (2023–present)
Lutheranism
- International
- Steven P. Petersen, President (2008–2011)
- Daniel Koelpin, President (2011–present)
- Chairman
- Ralph Mayan, Chairman (2005–2008)
- Gerald B. Kieschnick, Chairman (2009–2010)
- Hans-Jörg Voigt, Chairman (2010–2012)
- Executive Secretary
- Samuel H. Nafzger, Executive Secretary (2001 or before –present)
- Christian Krause (Germany), President (1997–2003)
- Mark Hanson (US), President (2003–2010)
- Munib Younan (Palestine), President (2010–2017)
- Musa Filibus (Nigeria), President (2017–2023)
- Henrik Stubkjær (Palestine), President (2023–present)
- Europe
- Jaan Kiivit, Jr, Archbishop (1994–2005)
- Andres Põder, Archbishop (2005–2014)
- Urmas Viilma, Archbishop (2015–present)
- Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia Church Abroad
- Udo Petersoo, Archbishop, (1990–2006)
- Andres Taul, Archbishop, (2007–2010)
- Thomas Vaga, Acting Bishop (2011–present)
- Jukka Paarma, Archbishop of Turku (1998–2010)
- Kari Mäkinen, Archbishop of Turku (2010–2018)
- Tapio Luoma, Archbishop of Turku (2018–present)
- Harald V of Norway, King of Norway (1991–present)
- Karl Gustav Hammar, Lutheran Primate of Sweden (1997–2006)
- Anders Wejryd, Lutheran Primate of Sweden (2006–2014)
- Antje Jackelén, Lutheran Primate of Sweden (2014–2022)
- Martin Modéus, Lutheran Primate of Sweden (2022-present)
- North America
- Alvin L. Barry, President (1992–2001)
- Robert T. Kuhn, President (2001)
- Gerald B. Kieschnick, President (2001–2010)
- Matthew C. Harrison, President (2010–present)
- H. George Anderson, Presiding Bishop (1995–2001)
- Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop (2001–2013)
- Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop (2013–present)
- William Sullivan, National Service Coordinator (2002–2010)
- Mark Vander Tuig, National Service Coordinator (2010–present)
- Karl R. Gurgel, President (1993–2007)
- Mark G. Schroeder, President (2007–present)
- Telmor Sartison, National Bishop (1993–2001)
- Raymond Schultz, National Bishop (2001–2007)
- Susan Johnson, National Bishop (2007–present)
Methodism
- Clement W. Fugh, General Secretary (2000–present)
- Albert Chiew, Bishop (c. 2008–2010)
- James Kwang, Bishop (2010–present)
- Keith A. Elford, Bishop (1997–2017)
- Cliff Fletcher, Bishop (2017–present)
- Nathaniel P. Lazaro, General Superintendent (2000–present)
- Samuel Asante Antwi, President and Presiding Bishop (1997–2003)
- Robert Aboagye-Mensah, Presiding Bishop (2003–2009)
- Emmanuel Asante, Presiding Bishop (2009–present)
- Peter Chio, Bishop (?–2004)
- Hwa Yung, Bishop (2004–present)
- President
- H Mvume Dandala, President (1998–2003)
- Ivan M Abrahams, President (2003–present)
- General Secretary
- Vivian Harris, General Secretary (1988–2001)
- Ross A J Olivier, General Secretary (2001–2005)
- Vuyani G Nyobole, General Secretary (2005–present)
- Gregory V. Palmer, President of the Council of Bishops (2008–2010)
- Larry M. Goodpaster, President of the Council of Bishops (2010–2012)
- Rosemarie Wenner, President of the Council of Bishops (2012–2014)
- Warner Brown, President of the Council of Bishops (2014–present)
Pentecostalism
- Thomas E. Trask, Chairman (2000–2008)
- George O. Wood, Chairman (2008–2022)
- Thomas E. Trask, General superintendent (1993–2007)
- George O. Wood, General superintendent (2007–2017)
- Doug E. Clay, General superintendent (2017–present)
- Grace Communion International (until 2009, called the Worldwide Church of God from 1968 to 2009) –
- Joseph Tkach, Jr., President and pastor general (1995–present)
- Richard Fehr, Chief apostle (1988–2005)
- Wilhelm Leber, Chief apostle (2005–2013)
- Jean-Luc Schneider (2013–present)
Presbyterianism
- John Miller, Moderator of the General Assembly (2001)
- Finlay Macdonald, Moderator of the General Assembly (2002)
- Iain Torrance, Moderator of the General Assembly (2003)
- Alison Elliot, Moderator of the General Assembly (2004)
- David Lacy, Moderator of the General Assembly (2005)
- Alan McDonald, Moderator of the General Assembly (2006)
- Sheilagh M. Kesting, Moderator of the General Assembly (2007)
- David W. Lunan, Moderator of the General Assembly (2008)
- William C. Hewitt, Moderator of the General Assembly (2009)
- John Christie, Moderator of the General Assembly (2010)
- A. David K. Arnott, Moderator of the General Assembly (2011)
- Albert O. Bogle, Moderator of the General Assembly (2012)
- Lorna Hood, Moderator of the General Assembly (2013)
- John Chalmers, Moderator of the General Assembly (2014)
- Syngman Rhee, Moderator of the General Assembly (2000–2001)
- Jack Rogers, Moderator of the General Assembly (2001–2002)
- Fahed Abu-Akel, Moderator of the General Assembly (2002–2003)
- Susan R. Andrews, Moderator of the General Assembly (2003–2004)
- Rick Ufford-Chase, Moderator of the General Assembly (2004–2006)
- Joan Gray, Moderator of the General Assembly (2006–2008)
- Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator of the General Assembly (2008–2010)
- Cynthia Bolbach, Moderator of the General Assembly (2010–2012)
- Neal Presa, Moderator of the General Assembly (2012–2014)
Other protestant
- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
- General Minister and President
- Richard L. Hamm (1993-2003)
- William "Chris" Hobgood, interim (2003–2005)
- Sharon E. Watkins (2005–2017)
- Teresa Hord Owens (2017–Present)
- Moderator of the General Assembly
- Paul D. Rivera (1999–2001)
- Alvin O. Jackson (2001–2003)
- Charisse Gillett (2003–2005)
- Bill Lee (2005–2007)
- Newell Williams (2007–2009)
- Larry Brown (2009–2011)
- Regina Morton (2011–2013)
- Glen Miles (2013–2015)
- Tony Rodriguez (2015–2017)
- Sue Morris (2017–2019)
- Belva Brown Jordan (2019–2023)
- General Minister and President
- Seventh-day Adventists (complete list) –
- Jan Paulsen, General Conference President (1999–2010)
- Ted N. C. Wilson, General Conference President (2010–present)
- Liz Slade, Chief Officer (2019–present)
- President
- James Haire, President (2000–2003)
- Dean Drayton, President (2003–2006)
- Gregor Henderson, President (2006–2009)
- Alistair Macrae, President (2009–2012)
- Andrew Dutney, President (2012–2015)
- Stuart McMillan, President (2015–2018)
- Deidre Palmer, President (2018–2021)
- Sharon Hollis, President (2021–2024)
- Charissa Suli, President (2024–2027)
- General Secretary
- Gregor Henderson, General Secretary (1989–2001)
- Terence Corkin, General Secretary (2001–2015)
- Colleen Geyer, General Secretary (2016–present)
- Marion Pardy, Moderator (2000–2003)
- Peter Short, Moderator (2003–2006)
- David Giuliano, Moderator (2006–2009)
- Mardi Tindal, Moderator (2009–2012)
- Gary Paterson, Moderator (2012–2015)
- Jordan Cantwell, Moderator (2015–2018)
- Richard Bott, Moderator (2018–2022)
- Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator (2022–present)
Anglicanism
Provinces of the Anglican Communion
- Formal leadership –
- Elizabeth II, Supreme Governor of the Church of England (1952–2022)
- Charles III, Supreme Governor of the Church of England (2022-present)
- Effective leadership, (complete list) –
- George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury (1991–2002)
- Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury (2002–2012)
- Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury (2013–2024)
- Peter Carnley, Primate (2000–2005)
- Phillip Aspinall, Primate (2005–2014)
- Philip Freier, Primate (2014–2020)
- Geoffrey Smith, Primate (2020–present)
- Michael Peers, Primate (1986–2004)
- Fred Hiltz, Primate (2007–2019)
- Linda Nicholls, Primate (2019–2024)
- Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop (1998–2006)
- Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop (2006–2016)
- Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop (2016–2024)
- Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop (2024–present)
Continuing Anglicanism
- Anglican Catholic Church
- John Charles Vockler, Metropolitan of the Original Province (2001-2005)
- Mark Haverland, Metropolitan of the Original Province (2005-present)
- Anglican Orthodox Church – Jerry L. Ogles, Presiding Bishop (2003–present)
- Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas
-
- Louis Falk, Primate (1991–2005)
- Louis Falk, President of the House of Bishops (2005–present)
- Anglican Province of America
- Walter Grundorf, Presiding Bishop (early 1990s–2021)
- Chandler Holder Jones, Presiding Bishop (2021-present)
- Diocese of the Holy Cross – Paul C. Hewett, Diocesan Bishop (2006–present)
- Episcopal Missionary Church –
- William Millsaps, Presiding Bishop (2000–2005)
- Council Nedd II, Presiding Bishop (2005–present)
- Leonard W. Riches, Presiding Bishop (1996–2014)
- Royal U. Grote Jr., Presiding Bishop (2014–2016)
- Ray Sutton, Presiding Bishop (2017–present)
- Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans – Eliud Wabukala, Chairman (2008–present)
-
- Robert Duncan, Primate (2009–2014)
- Foley Beach, Primate (2014–2024)
- Steve Wood, Primate (2024–present)
- Frank J. Retief, Presiding Bishop (2000–2010)
- Desmond Inglesby, Presiding Bishop (2010–present)
-
- Reginald Hammond, Presiding Bishop (2000–2004)
- George Connor, Presiding Bishop (2006–present)
- Julius A. Neeser, Bishop Ordinary (1998–2002)
- David T. Hustwick, Bishop Ordinary (2002–present)
- Scott Earle McLaughlin, Metropolitan Archbishop (2000–2012)
- Creighton Jones, Metropolitan Archbishop (2012–2015)
- Thomas Gordon, Metropolitan Archbishop (2015–present)
- Scott Earle McLaughlin, Presiding Bishop (2000–2012)
- Creighton Jones, Presiding Bishop (2012–2015)
- Thomas Gordon, Presiding Bishop (2015–present)
- Louis Falk, Primate (1991–2002)
- John Hepworth, Primate (2002–2012)
- Samuel Prakash, Primate (2012–2017)
- Shane B. Jenzen, Primate (2017–present)
- John Hepworth, Archbishop (1998–2012)
- Michael Pope, Archbishop (2013–present)
- Robert Mercer, Bishop and Metropolitan (1988–2005)
- Peter Wilkinson, Bishop and Metropolitan (2005–present)
- Anglican Church of India – Stephen Vattappara, Metropolitan Bishop (1990–present)
- Anglican Church in America –
- Louis Falk, Primate (1991–2005)
- Louis Falk, President of the House of Bishops (2005–present)
- Stephen C. Reber, Presiding Bishop (1996–2010)
- Peter D. Robinson, Presiding Bishop (2010–present)
Other Christian or Christian-derived faiths
- Athanasius Yohan I, Metropolitan (1993–2024)
- Samuel Theophilus, Metropolitan (2024–present)
- María Luisa Piraquive, World Leader (1996–present)
- Mar Dinkha IV, Patriarch (1976–2015)
- Mar Gerwargis III, Patriarch (2015–2021)
- Mar Awa III, Patriarch (2021–present)
- Mar Addai II, Patriarch (1972–2022)
- Yacob III Daniel, Patriarch (2022-present)
- Philipose Mar Chrysostym Mar Thoma, Marthoma Metropolitan (1999–2007)
- Joseph Mar Thoma, Marthoma Metropolitan (2007–2020)
- Theodosius Mar Thoma, Marthoma Metropolitan (2020–present)
- Eliseo Soriano, Presiding Minister (1977–2021)
- Daniel Soriano Razon, Presiding Minister (2021-present)
- Gordon B. Hinckley, President (1995–2008)
- Thomas S. Monson, President (2008–2018)
- Russell M. Nelson, President (2018–present)
- Eraño Manalo, Executive Minister (1963–2009)
- Eduardo V. Manalo, Executive Minister (2009–present)
- Jehovah's Witnesses, Governing Body
- Lyman A. Swingle (1971-2001)
- Milton G. Henschel (1971-2003)
- Theodore Jaracz (1974-2010)
- Karl F. Klein (1974-2001)
- Albert D. Schroeder (1974-2006)
- Daniel Sydlik (1974-2006)
- Carey W. Barber (1977-2007)
- John E. Barr (1977-2010)
- Gerrit Lösch (1994–present)
- Samuel F. Herd (1999–present)
- M. Stephen Lett (1999–present)
- Guy H. Pierce (1999-2014)
- David H. Splane (1999–present)
- Geoffrey W. Jackson (2005–present)
- Anthony Morris III (2005-2023)
- D. Mark Sanderson (2012–present)
- Kenneth E. Cook Jr. (2018–present)
- Gage Fleegle (2023–present)
- Jeffrey Winder (2023–present)
- National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA –
- Robert W. Edgar, General Secretary (1999–2007)
- Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary (2007–2011)
- Peg Birk, General Secretary (2012–2013)
- Jim Winkler, General Secretary (2014–present)
- Sun Myung Moon, 'True Father' (1953–2012)
- Hak Ja Han, 'True Mother'/Acting Leader (2012–present)
- Konrad Raiser, General Secretary (1993–2003)
- Samuel Kobia, General Secretary (2004–2009)
- Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary (2010–2020)
- Ioan Sauca, Acting General Secretary (2020-2022)
- Jerry Pillay, General Secretary (2023-present)
Hinduism
- Rambhadracharya, Jagadguru Acharya (1988–present)
- Krishna Maharaj (1986–2003)
- Uttam Maharaj (2005–2018)
- Rampersad Parasram, Dharmacharya (2019–present).
Gaudiya Vaishnavism
- Bhakti Suhrid Paribrajak, president-acharya (1993–2018)
- Bhakti Sundar Sanyasi Maharaj, president-acharya (2018–present)
- Bhakti Vedanta Budhayan Goswami, president-acharya (2020–present)
- International Society for Krishna Consciousness — the members of Governing Body Commission (Jayapataka Swami and others)
- Science of Identity Foundation — Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa (1977–present)
- Sri Caitanya Prema Samsthana — Shrivatsa Goswami, director (1972–present)
- Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math —
- Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami, president-acharya (1988–2010)
- Bhakti Nirmal Acharya, president-acharya (2010–present)
- The Vaishnava Foundation — Kailasa Candra Dasa (1986–present)
- World Vaisnava Association —
- Srila Nayananandana Das babaji, President (1999–2002)
- Srila Bhakti B. Tirtha Maharaj, President (2002–present).
Smarta tradition
- Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath, Badrinath and Dwarka Sharada Peetham, Dwarka (1982-2022)
- Swami Nischalanand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Govardhan Math, Puri (1992-present)
- Swami Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam, Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri (1974–present)
Swaminarayan Sampradaya
- Acharya Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj (1969–2004)
- Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj (2004–present)
- Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj (1984–present)
- Swaminarayan Gurukul —
- Guruvarya Shri Devkrushnadasji Swami (1974–present)
- Acharya Shree Rakeshprasadji Maharaj (2003–present)
- BAPS —
- Pramukh Swami Maharaj, President (1971–2016)
- Mahant Swami Maharaj, President (2016–present)
- Gurudev Bapji, Founder (1987–2019)
- HDH Swamishri, President (2019–present)
- Gunatit Samaj —
- Kakaji Maharaj - Yogi Divine Society (1918–1986)
- Pappaji Maharaj - Gunatit Jyot (1916–2006)
- Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj - Haridham Sokhada (1934–2021)
- Aksharvihari Swamiji Maharaj - Shri Akshar Purushottam Satsang Kendra (1936–2019)
- Jashbhai Sahebji - Anoopam Mission (1940–present)
- Prabodhjivan Swami
- Swaminarayan Gadi (Maninagar) —
- Purushottampriyadasji Swami (1979-2020)
- Jitendrapriyadasji Swami (2020-present)
Hindu new movements
- PrashantAdvait Foundation - Acharya Prashant (2006 - present)
- Art of Living Foundation — Sri Sri Ravishankar, Spiritual Leader, Humanitarian (1981–present)
- Brahma Kumaris — Dadi Janki, Spiritual Head (1937–2020)
- Isha Foundation — Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev (1992–present)
- Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat — Vishaka Tripathi, Shyama Tripathi & Krishna Tripathi, Presidents (present)
- Mahanam Sampraday —
- Upashak Bandhu Bhramachariji (India) (present)
- Kanti Bandhu Bhramachariji (Bangladesh) (present)
- Mata Amritanandamayi Math — Mata Amritanandamayi, Spiritual Leader, Humanitarian (1981–present)
- Ramakrishna Mission/Vedanta Society —
- Swami Ranganathananda, President (1998–2005)
- Swami Gahanananda, President (2005–2007)
- Swami Atmasthananda, President (2007–2017)
- Swami Smaranananda, President (2017–2024)
- Swami Gautamananda, President (2024-present)
- Sri Chinmoy Centers — Sri Chinmoy (1966–2007)
Islam
Pan-Islamic
Sunni
International
-
- Muhammad Ilyas Qadri, Amir of Ahlussunnah–Emir of Sunnis (1981–present)
- Shakir Ali Noori, Ameer (1990–present)
- Qamaruzzaman Azmi, President (present)
- Syed Mohammad Saifur Rahman, Chief Advisor (present)
- Taqi Usmani, Sheikh ul Islam (2004–present)
- Tablighi Jamaat —
- Zubairul Hasan Kandhlawi, Amir (1995–2014)
- position abolished (since 2014)
- Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Musleh, Secretary-General (present)
- Muslim World League
- Abdallah Ben Abdel Mohsen At-Turki (2000–2016)
- Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa, Secretary General (2016–present)
- President
- Abdullah Omar Nasseef (present)
- Secretary General
- Raja Zafar-ul-Haq (present)
- Mustafa Mashhur, General Guide (1996–2002)
- Ma'mun al-Hudaybi, General Guide (2002–2004)
- Mohammed Mahdi Akef, General Guide (2004–2010)
- Mohammed Badie, General Guide (2010–present)
Afghanistan
- Taliban —
- Mohammed Omar, Amir (1994–2013)
- Akhtar Mansour, Amir (2015–2016)
- Hibatullah Akhundzada, Amir (2016–present)
Australia
- Taj El-Din Hilaly (1992–2007)
- Fehmi Naji (2007–2011)
- Ibrahim Abu Mohamed (2011–2018)
- Abdel Aziem Al-Afifi (2018)
- Ibrahim Abu Mohamed (2018–present)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Mustafa Cerić, Grand Mufti (1993–2012)
- Husein Kavazović, Grand Mufti (2012–present)
China
- Xilalunding Chen Guangyuan, President (present)
Indonesia
- Sahal Mahfudh, chairman (2000–2014)
- Din Syamsuddin, chairman (2014–2015)
- Ma'ruf Amin, chairman (2015–2020)
- Miftachul Achyar, chairman (2020–2023)
- Anwar Iskandar, chairman (2023–present)
- Ahmad Syafi'i Maarif (1998–2005)
- Din Syamsuddin (2005–2015)
- Haedar Nashir (2015–present)
- Spiritual leader
- Sahal Mahfudz (1999–2014)
- Mustofa Bisri (2014, temporary)
- Ma'ruf Amin (2015–2018)
- Miftachul Akhyar (2018–present)
- Chairman
- Hasyim Muzadi (1999–2010)
- Said Aqil Siradj (2010–2021)
- Yahya Cholil Staquf (2021–present)
Israel and Palestine
- Ekrima Sa'id Sabri (1994–2006)
- Muhammad Ahmad Hussein (2006–present)
Kazakhstan
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Kazakhstan —
- Absattar Derbisali, Grand Mufti (2000–2013)
- Yerzhan Malgajyuly Mayamerov, Grand Mufti (2013–present)
Malaysia
- Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs —
- Ismail Ibrahim, Chairman (2000–2005)
- Abdul Shukor Husin, Chairman (2005–2017)
- Wan Zahidi bin Wan Teh, Chairman (2017–2022)
- Nooh Gadut, Chairman (2022–present)
North Macedonia
- Zejnulla Fazliu, Islamic religious leader (1990–present)
Russia
- Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Russia —
- Talgat Tadzhuddin, Shaikh al-Islam, Grand Mufti (1992–present)
- Coordinating Center of North Caucasus Muslims —
- Magomed Albogachiev, Chairman (1998–2003)
- Ismail Berdiyev, Chairman (2003–present)
- Muftiate of the Republic of Dagestan —
- Ahmad Afandi Abdulaev, Mufti (1998–present)
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Republic of Adygea and Krasnodar Krai —
- Askarbiy Kardanov, Mufti (2012–present)
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Asian Part of Russia —
- Nafigulla Ashirov, Mufti (1997–present)
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Republic of Bashkortostan —
- Ainur Birgalin, Mufti (2019–present)
- Akhmad Shamaiev, Mufti (2000–2005)
- Sultan Mirsayev, Mufti (2005–2014)
- Salah Mezhiev, Mufti (2014–present)
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Republic of Ingushetia
- Muhammed Alboghatchiev, Mufti
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic —
- Hazrataliy Dzasejev, Mufti (2010–present)
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic —
- Ismail Berdiyev, Mufti (1991–present)
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania —
- Khajimurat Gatsalov, Mufti (2011–present)
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Russian Federation and Russian Council of Muftis —
- Rawil Ğaynetdin, Grand Mufti (2014–present) and Chairman (1996–present)
- Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan —
- Ğosman İsxaqi, Mufti (1998–2011)
- Ildus Faiz, Mufti (2011–2013)
- Kamil Samigullin, Mufti (2013–present)
- Spiritual Assembly of the Muslims of Russia —
- Albir Krganov, Mufti (2016–present)
Saudi Arabia
- Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia (1999–present)
- Abdallah Ben Abdel Mohsen At-Turki, Secretary General (2000–2016)
- Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa, Secretary General (2016–present)
Taiwan
- Ma Jiazhen, President (1996–2002)
- Ni Anguo, President (2002–2006)
- Ma Ruhu, President (2006–2008)
- Dawood Cho Yong-tsing, President (2008–present)
Ukraine
- Kirim Esende, Mufti
- Spiritual Directorate of the Muslims of Crimea (Simferopol) —
- Emirali Ablaev, Mufti (1999–present)
- Tamim Ahmed Muhamed Mutah, Mufti
- Said Ismagilov, Mufti
Uzbekistan
- Muslim Board of Uzbekistan
- Abdurashid Kori Bakhromov, Grand Mufti (1995–2006)
- Usman Alimov, Grand Mufti (2006–2021)
- Nuriddin Kholiqnazarov, Grand Mufti (2021–present)
Yemen
- Al-Habib Umar bin Hafidz (1997–present)
Shia
Twelver
- Imams (complete list) –
- Muhammad al-Mahdi, Imam (874–present) Shia belief holds that he was hidden by Allah in 874.
- Mohammad-Taqi Bahjat Foumani (1993–2009)
- Mohammad Fazel Lankarani (1980–2007)
- Ali Khamenei (1985–present)
- Muhammad Saeed al-Hakim (1981–2021)
- Hossein Noori-Hamedani(2000–present)
- Muhammad al-Fayadh (2008–present)
- Ali al-Sistani (1980–present)
- Naser Makarem Shirazi (1998–present)
- Hossein Waheed Khorasani (1995–present)
- Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani (1975–2022)
- Ali Akbar Velayati, General Secretary
- Mohammad Mahdi Asefi, General Secretary
- Mohammad Hasan Akhtari, General Secretary (present)
- Baba Reshat (1991–2011)
- Baba Mondi (2011–present)
- Allahshukur Pashazadeh, Grand Mufti of the Caucasus (1992–present)
Ismaili
- Mohammed Burhanuddin, 52nd Da'i al-Mutlaq (1965–2014)
- Mufaddal Saifuddin, 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq (2014–present)
- Aga Khan IV, 49th Imam (1957–present)
Zaidiyyah
- Houthis –
- Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, leader (1994–2004)
- Badreddin al-Houthi, leader (2004)
- Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi, leader (2004–present)
Ahmadiyya
- Khalifatul Masih IV, Mirza Tahir Ahmad (1982–2003)
- Khalifatul Masih V, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (2003–present)
- Asghar Hameed (1996–2002)
- Abdul Karim Saeed Pasha (2003–2022)
Nation of Islam
- Louis Farrakhan, head, (1981–present)
Ibadi
- Ahmed bin Hamad al-Khalili, Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman
- Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman
Judaism
- Asia
- Israel, (complete list) —
|
|
|
- Eurasia
- Russia —
-
- Adolf Shayevich, Chief Rabbi of Russia (1993–present)
- Berel Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Russia (2000–present)
- Turkey —
- David Asseo, Chief Rabbi (1961–2002)
- Ishak Haleva, Chief Rabbi (2002–present)
- Europe
- Ireland —
- Yaakov Pearlman, Chief Rabbi (2001–2008)
- Zalman Lent, Acting Chief Rabbi (2008–present)
- United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations
- Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi (1991–2013)
- Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi (2013–present)
- North America
- Union for Reform Judaism (North America) –
- Eric Yoffie, President (1996–2012)
- Richard Jacobs, President (2012–present)
New religious movements
Baháʼí Faith
- Ali Nakhjavani (1963–2003)
- Hushmand Fatheazam (1963–2003)
- Ian Semple (1963-2005)
- Glenford Mitchell (1982–2008)
- Peter Khan (1987–2010)
- Adib Taherzadeh (1988–2000)
- Hooper Dunbar (1988–2010)
- J. Douglas Martin (1993–2005)
- Farzam Arbab (1993–2013)
- Kiser Barnes (2000–2013)
- Hartmut Grossman (2003–2008)
- Firaydoun Javaheri (2003–2018)
- Paul Lample (2005–present)
- Payman Mohajer (2005–present)
- Gustavo Correa (2008–2013)
- Shahriar Razavi (2008–present)
- Stephen Hall (2010–2023)
- Stephen Birkland (2010–2023)
- Ayman Rouhani (2013–present)
- Chuungu Malitonga (2013–present)
- Praveen Mallik (2018–present)
- Juan Francisco Mora (2018–present)
- Andrej Donoval (2023-present)
- Albert Nshisu Nsunga (2023-present)
Radha Soami
- Gurinder Singh, Guru (1990–present)
- Makund Behari Lal, Guru (1975–2002)
- Prem Saran Satsangi, Guru (2002–present)
- Huzur Kanwar Saheb, Guru (present)
- Thakar Singh, Guru (1976–2005)
Scientology
- David Miscavige, President of Scientology; Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center (1987–present)
- Heber Jentzsch, President of the Church of Scientology International (1982–present)
Others
- Eckankar — Harold Klemp, Mahanta (1981–present)
- Elan Vital — Prem Rawat (1983–present)
- Falun Gong — Li Hongzhi, Spiritual Master (1992–present)
- Guanyin Famen — Ching Hai, Supreme Master (1988–present)
- LaVeyan Satanism — Peter H. Gilmore, Magus (2001–present)
- Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness —
- John-Roger Hinkins, Spiritual Director (1971–2014)
- John K. Morton, Spiritual Director (2014–present)
- Science of Spirituality — Rajinder Singh, Spiritual Master (1989–present)
- Tenrikyo — Nakayama Zenji, Shinbashira (1998–present)
Other
Jainism
- Śvētāmbara Terapanth —
- Shri Mahapragya, Acharya (1997–2010)
- Mahashraman (2010–present)
Mandaeism
Ravidassia
- Niranjan Dass, Sant (2007–present)
Shinto
- Shinto (complete list) —
- Akihito, Emperor of Japan, head of Shinto (1989–2019)
- Naruhito, Emperor of Japan, head of Shinto (2019–present)
- Atsuko Ikeda, Chairperson (1988–present)
Sectarian Shinto
- Konkokyo –
- Heiki Konko, Spiritual Leader (1991–present)
- Kurozumi Muneharu, Chief Patriarch (1973–2017)
- Kurozumi Munemichi, Chief Patriarch (2017–present)
Unitarian Universalism
- William G. Sinkford, President (2001–2009)
- Peter Morales, President (2009–2017)
- Susan Frederick-Gray, President (2017–2023)
- Sofía Betancourt, President (2023–present)
Voodoo / Vodun
- Beninese Vodun
- Adanyroh Guèdèhounguè, President of National Community of Voodoo Cults of Benin (CNCVB)
- Daagbo Hounon Houna II, Supreme Leader of Vodun
- Haitian Vodou
- Demanbre — Augustin St. Clou, King of Voodoo (2016–present)
- National Confederation of Haitian Vodouisants (KNVA) — Prospère Louidor, National Ati (Supreme Voodoo Chief) (2021–present)
Spiritual Genuinity
- Mokshadharma —
- Founded by Amit Goyal (2019-present)
- Started at a badminton court in Sydney where the idea was playing honestly and how it depicts the peace in this world.
See also
Notes
- Such groups are not in communion with the Pope.
References
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- "Preacher, racer are two of a kind. Dallenbach brothers follow different roads that intersect with love". Denver Post. April 30, 1990. Archived from the original on 2012-10-09. Retrieved 2007-07-21.
It's quite a spin from Wally's life as a race-car driver to the Rev. Robert Dallenbach's small Pillar of Fire Church, where drinking, dancing and smoking are forbidden. While Wally directs Denver's Grand Prix races this August, his older brother likely will be a few blocks away, preaching at Alma Temple. The Reverend Bob wears a charcoal-gray suit and Roman collar. His 8-year-old, church-owned Ford station wagon bears license tag ... But things aren't always what they seem with the brothers Dallenbach ...
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- "The 500 Most Influential Muslims" (PDF). gwu.edu. Georgetown University. 2011. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
- "Bénin: reportage à la fête du "vodoun" de Grand-Popo". RFI (in French). 2016-01-11. Retrieved 2023-06-21.
- "Haiti - FLASH : The Supreme Leader of Voodoo King Daagbo Hounon Houna II, visiting Haiti - HaitiLibre.com : Haiti news 7/7". www.haitilibre.com. Retrieved 2023-06-21.
- Nieves, Josué Israel Cárdenas. "El vudú haitiano visita México, Augustin St. Clou". lemexico.mx (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-06-21.
- "L'installation de Prospère Louidor, comme nouvel Ati national renforce les divisions au sein du secteur vodou". www.enquetaction.com. Retrieved 2023-06-21.