See Also: Apostolic succession(encyclopedia)
apostolic(dictionary)
apostolic(dictionary)
succession(dictionary)
Succession(medicine)
Succession(money)
succession(dictionary)
SUCCESSION, com(law)
RAPPORT A SUCCESSION(law)
succession (as used in expressions)(encyclopedia)

Apostolic succession (sh)




In Christianity, the doctrine that bishops represent an uninterrupted line of descent from the Apostles of Jesus.

This succession gives bishops special powers, including the right to confirm church members, ordain priests, consecrate bishops, and rule over the clergy and church members of a diocese. Clement, bishop of Rome, stated the doctrine as early as AD 95, and it is accepted by Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Old Catholic, and several other churches. Some Protestant churches maintain that succession is spiritual and doctrinal rather than ritual and historical.