The general assembly of the French clergy initially elected one of the archbishops or cardinals as president. This number was often increased to two, because one was no more than a figurehead. Later on, a number of deputies were added so that business could continue in the absence of the two main presidents, and the archbishop of Paris was associated with the presidency as well. In the eighteenth century, the deputy-presidents often served as chairmen of the ‘bureaux’ or select committees appointed to consider particular items of business. Elections were held at the start of every assembly, but the following list omits those assemblies when the president (s) was/were the same as previously. The chief president is listed first, followed by his deputies.