During the period 1731–1761, Erik Benzelius and Andreas Olavi Rhyzelius served as bishops in the diocese of Linköping. They were both learned men and diligent writers who were interested in science. Both had developed a large network within the church and society at large, and were politically active as members of the parliament. In their role as bishop in Linköping, they also had relations to the parishes within their diocese. The aim of this essay was to analyse and compare the strategies that these two bishops used in their contacts and relationships with the parishes.  Six thematic areas were selected for the study: Church construction Appointment of clerical positions Episcopal visitations Pastoral matters Clerical malfeasance and moral issues Unity in Religion The study is largely based on source material from the archives of the diocese chapters and from church archives. For each thematic area, cases have been identified and investigated and each area is concluded with a discussion and summary in which the respective bishops' strategies are discerned and compared. The results show that Rhyzelius' term in service as bishop is marked by his great interest in promoting church construction in the diocese. When Benzelius handles church construction matters, he tries to mediate conflicts and act strategically to push issues forward. Both bishops strategically act as mediators to reconcile people and move processes forward. Both are earnest in the matter of unity in the religion, but behave in different ways, Benzelius softer and Rhyzelius tougher. In pastoral matters, Rhyzelius supports the pastoral judgment of the local vicar, although this may lead to conflict within the parish. In matters of malfeasance, both bishops are determined to find out the truth to be able to properly assess the issues, and listens to the testimony of the congregations.