There is little difference between the chief priest and the honorary chief priest in their official authorities in the temple, although the honorary chief priest does not have eligibility to run for the chief abbot of Koyasan Shingon sect.
住職と名誉住職の、寺院内での職務上の権利の差異はほとんどないが、名誉住職に関しては、高野山真言宗管長の被選挙権がなく、制限が設けられている。