Bishops took the place of Roman magistrates in the structure of the Church. Church government was a theocracy, and good Christians used Church law as administered by bishops to settle disputes, make rulings about kinship relations, inheritance, and even criminal offenses. The Bishops followed Roman law where it was applicable.
When the barbarians destroyed the Roman administration in the cities and countrysides, Bishops were the de facto available authorities. They became the new magistrates. They had political duties as well, and became allies of the king or duke. Bishops themselves were usually lords.
They are called the Bishops
Yes, the Church was very powerful during the Middle Ages.
No, whilst all bishops are equal in their ordination as bishops, the power and authority of a bishop and his diocese usually depended on the population and importance of their town or city. For example, the larger Diocese of Rome was more important than the smaller Diocese of Tuscany or Florence. A bishop who resided in a capital city would usually be called the Archbishop or Metropolitan or Patriarch.
The Orthodox Church is organized into several regional, autocephalous (governed by their own head bishops) churches. The Patriarch of Constantinople has the honor of primacy, but does not carry the same authority as the Pope does in Catholicism.
The chief criticism of bishops during the Middle Ages was that they had become too powerful. They were just a level away from the princes of the church, and were therefore, very important. Even the monarchy and Holy Roman Emperor were obligated to consult with them.
The authority of priests and bishops within the wider Christian church has not ended.Roman Catholic AnswerThe "authority" of priests and bishops is only a participation in the authority of Jesus Christ over His Church. They have no authority on their own, but only when they are speaking as His representatives. As such, their "authority" will last as that of Our Blessed Lord. As He created the entire world, then I suppose His authority, as exercised through His priests and Bishops, will last as long as the world lasts.
The popes are the successors of Saint Peter, who was given special authority by Jesus to lead the Church.
The popes are the successors of Saint Peter, who was given special authority by Jesus to lead the Church.
They are called the Bishops
Answer Catholic Bishops are not allowed to marry
.Catholic AnswerThe Holy Father in Rome has authority over all bishops and priests in the world, but particularly, he is the Bishop of Rome.
By the laying on of hands.
Church authority is the authority of God as expressed through the Magisterium of the Church, which resides ultimately in Christ, as expressed through His Vicar, the Pope, and the teaching authority of the Bishops in union with him.
The Renaissance began a process of secularization which has reduced the power of priests and bishops in Europe, although it would be a mistake to say that their power has ended completely. The Roman Catholic Church remains a wealthy and powerful organization with many devoted followers, although it is not the dominant power of Europe that it once was.
No, that would be impossible, the Church has no authority to ordain women.
pope (bishop of rome) ^^^^^ bishop ^^^^^ priest ^^^^^ deacon
The popes are the successors of Saint Peter, who was given special authority by Jesus to lead the Church.