Episcopacy: Historical, Practical, Scriptural

A guide for reflection and discussion

History of Episcopacy

In New Testament times, there is no evidence that Jesus appointed any bishops. Scholars assert however that he shared his authority to teach, lead and sanctify, with women and men, the first apostles, e.g. Mary Magdalene, Peter, John and the other disciples.

The ministry of bishop, or episkopos, is believed to be a natural and practical development of the church during the 1^st and 2^nd centuries. (cf. Acts 2:28; Phil 1:1; I Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 2:25) The office or ministry of bishop was not a new creation, but an outgrowth of the practice of calling elders and presbyters to cultivate the apostolic tradition and work of Christ.

While the term episkopos technically means overseer, bishops were imaged as shepherds of the faithful, as stewards, administrators and teachers, and as presiders over the Eucharist.

Other governing aspects of being a bishop were intertwined eventually with their ecclesial role. The secular dimensions developed overtime from the fourth to fourteenth centuries, until (only) in England they were referred to as temporal and spiritual “lords”, a term for members of Parliament. The New Testament has no prohibition against bishops marrying or having children (cf. 1 Timothy).

Sacramental authority and power flow from Christ, in the Spirit. As Christ appointed twelve, then seventy-two, he gave them authority solely for the building up of the body of Christ, the church. During the first two centuries, bishops were elected leaders of small, local communities. As their duties increased and congregations grew, bishops delegated some of their functions to others.

The ministry of local assemblies was entrusted to presbyters and deacons under the supervision of the bishop. The ancient order of bishop-priest-deacon, was first identified in the year 110 C.E. Somewhat later, communities required the presider of the Eucharist to be a bishop or priest. Naturally, distinctions between clergy and laity too, evolved and were formalized. Early constitutions and structured clergy-laity relationships were the norm in Christianity (as early as 96 CE) and provided continuity and fidelity to the Gospel call to teach, lead, and sanctify. [I Corinthians 12:27-30]

Characteristics of a future ECC bishop may include the following human and gospel qualities:

• a great love for the Gospel and its mission
• one who is recognized as a spiritual shepherd and prayerful servant-leader, committed to proclaim the Gospel, within the Catholic tradition or way, with faithfulness to the ECC Constitution
• a gentle but sure guide, who is gifted to symbolize and cultivate unity and diversity locally and in relationship to the universal Church.

Modern examples of this kind of bishop are : Oscar Romero, [links (1), (2)], Raymond Hunthausen, [links (1), (2) ], and Katharine Jefferts Schori [links (1), (2), (3)]. For further examples, links to Dom Helder Camara [links (1), (2), (3)], Joseph Louis Bernandin [links (1), (2)]. Historically recognized abuses of Episcopal power and office are less likely in the ECC under its interlocking houses of governance: laity, pastors, and bishops.

Practical Matters

Primary question - After an open and informed conversation within and across the communities, we hope to know whether or not we should call a regional Bishop, Some primary questions to consider are: Do we feel the pastoral need for a regional Bishop for our growing communities?

Would our communities and the Rocky Mountain Region be enhanced by the presence of a regional Bishop?

When would be the right time to consider the question of calling a regional Bishop?

Secondary questions - If we choose to call a regional Bishop.

What kind of Bishop would this be?

One we would call from our midst?

One we might share with another region or diocese?

One from the current auxiliary or diocesan bishops in the ECC?

Another secondary question concerns the consideration of financial support for this ministry.

If we choose to call a regional Bishop, we need to consider providing financial support. It would require further donations on the part of each community beyond the 5% of collections already made per annum to the national ECC prescribed by canon 6.1 . We are currently providing a stipend to our Vicar, a position which would be supplanted by a Bishop. In the ECC’s short history, the presiding Bishop and the diocesan Bishops in California and Florida, have served with or without regular financial support. It is likely that a regional Bishop’s ministry would initially be part-time, although the actual expense for a Bishop might exceed that which is provided to a Vicar. A full-time ministry would include a salary, office and operating expenses in addition to medical and retirement funds. Financial compensation for a regional Bishop would require a collective commitment from our region.

Please refer to the ECC constitution for the (exercise) of a bishop’s ministry, specifically: ECC Canon 67.4, Canon 57, Subcanon 5, Subcanon 6.
ECC Constutition
Glossary

Scriptural Foundations for Episcopal Ministry

Since the dawn of the Christian era, believers have gathered with their apostolic leaders. ”It is [Christ] who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ, ‘til we become one in faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, and form that perfect human who is Christ come to full stature.” [Ephesians 4:11-13] The Church as the body of Christ and the people of God is constituted by the Holy Spirit through a diversity of gifts or ministries. The ordained ministry comes from the local church (region or diocese) and should be exercised in a personal, collegial and communal way.
[BEM – Ministry # 23]

The New Testament describes a variety of forms of organization and ministry, but between the first and third centuries the three-fold pattern of ordained ministry of bishop, presbyter and deacon emerged which may serve today as an expression of the unity we seek and also as a means for achieving it.
[BEM – Ministry # 22]

Among these gifts, the ministry of bishop is necessary to express and safeguard the unity of the body. Bishops have responsibility for prophetic and apostolic leadership in the Church’s mission. In communion with the presbyters and deacons and the whole community, they are responsible for the orderly exercise and transfer of ministerial authority in the Church.
[BEM – Ministry # 29]

²⁴The truth of the matter is, unless a grain of wheat fall to the ground and dies it remains only a single grain, but if it dies it yields a rich harvest.

²⁵If you love your life you will lose it; If you hate your life in this world you will keep it for eternal life.

²⁶ Anyone who wants to work for me, must follow in my footsteps, and wherever I am my worker will be there, too. Anyone who works for me will honor Abba God.