Rokuon Soroku determined the ranks of and appointed head priests to all temples below the Gozan as well as managing territory and litigation, so had a great degree of influence even when compared to the bakufu, but the position later developed into an honorary position with individuals being appointed based on blood relationships to the Imperial Family and actual responsibility being taken by the inryoshiki who served as a liaison between the sofoku and the bakufu.
鹿苑僧録は五山以下の諸寺の寺格決定やその住持の任免、所領・訴訟などの処理を行うなど、幕府に対しても大きな影響力を有したが、後に名誉職化して皇族などが血筋によって僧録に任じられるようになると、僧録と幕府の連絡役であった蔭涼職（いんりょうしき）が実務の責任者となった。