catholic hierarchy

and also between the beliefs of scripture of each religion?

Catholic:
Pope
Cardinals
Archbishops
Bishops
Priests
Deacons
Brothers/Nuns/Monks

Anglican:
Archbishop of Canterbury or Monarch of England (ArchB for High church, monarch for Low Church)
Bishops
Priests
Deacons

2009-06-25 04:22:46 by xXjennali3Xx

The Catholic Church is the leader of Ecumenism, though almost every religion, denomination and sect has and does participate in it. The goal of ...

How long has the cover up of Child Molestation been going on and in what other areas have they been misleading the people.

What should be done to those involved in the cover up and attempts to avoid criminal prosecution.

The church set up a retreat in 1930 for priests who molest children so there was a problem already significant enough to cause something like that 80 years ago. And they have been misleading people since 872.

2010-03-25 11:38:23 by Innocent

Price: $2.99

What is a cardinal’s duty and responsibilities? How many are there within the United States?

There are currently 17 US cardinals: 7 bishops of a diocese, 5 at large, and 5 retired.

The rank of "cardinal" is NOT a promotion from "bishop" but an alternate hierarchical organization. There are cardinal bishops, cardinal priests and cardinal deacons. Cardinals were originally priests and bishops assigned (at least titularly) to churches in Rome. As developed over time, the office of cardinal has come to mean a bishop, priest or deacon who serves as a special papal assistant for liturgical, administrative or charitable functions. In other words, they answer directly to the pope in addition to any intermediary authority.

2008-11-25 11:43:58 by Christine

Price: $25.23 $25.23

Hypothetical but interesting. What -- if any -- institution, force, coalition, or whatever do you think would have stepped into the leadership void with the disappearance of Roman law, legions, and communications networks?

There would be no civilization without the Catholic Church. No universities, no hospitals, and widespread immorality.

2009-05-17 03:21:12 by XenonEmeritus

Women cannot hold high positions.
Members must confess sins to a priest.
The pope overseas all.

Let it be known that I am not a Christian. However I understand general Christian beliefs, and am a bit confused on why the Catholic church has this hierarchy.

Shouldn't all be equal under "Christ" and "God"?
Shouldn't sins be confessed to "Christ" and not to another person?

There is a strong hierarchy because the Church itself is strong. Hence, the organization of it has become strong. That organization has evolved, and continues to adapt to challenges. In Africa, where Muslim and other non-Christian beliefs were gaining a toe-hold, the Church continued its ministry first and foremost among all Christian initiatives and has grown by incredible leaps and bounds. They always pick up the slack where short-term ministries and missionaries leave behind a vacuum. So Catholicism in Africa, Brazil and many other areas is skyrocketing. In America, where there is a shortage of priests, the Church has seen incredible growth in the numbers of lay ministers and deacons. Astounding growth there. They pick up the slack because there simply aren't enough priests to serve all the Catholics who need them. Did I say serve?

The Catholic Church grew from Rome first, and it adopted many things from the Greek intellectuals and Roman administrators. Hierarchy may be one of them. But remember what the hierarchy is in the Catholic world. Christ instituted the Sacrament of Holy Orders on the night of the Last Supper. He gathered his Apostles and Mary together after a few disciples had gone ahead of him to secure the secret meeting place. The first thing he did in that room was to get on his knees and wash their feet. Christ was showing through this deeds what his priesthood would be all about. Priests are servants. So you question power? Woman can't hold the highest position of servitude you think because they cannot be Pope, the head servant for all Catholics and Christians and heck, all mankind for that matter. No way. Woman are constantly at service through motherhood or other feats. Saint Mary again serves that example. Mother of Christ himself! Women serve a critical role in the Catholic Church. Ever heard of Mother Teresa? Know anyone who has been as great a servant to mankind as her? What you think she needs a badge? A brass nameplate? Chevrons? What? What are you thinking? Are you thinking? I hope this answer helps since of course you are. You asked! The idea is you SERVE. Love one another as I have loved you. That's what Christ implored above virtually all else. He showed you what to do. Do it. The Catholic Church is built around his orders. Orders of servitude and obedience. The flock obeys the shepherd. The shepherd guides the flock through the gate. By serving the obedient. Priests and popes don't save people. God does. Priests devote their lives toward serving God in the Apostolic Ministry that Christ set up. Clearlyl in the Bible. That is why many priests give up possessions (and nuns as well). They do not want to be encumbered by things of this world. Others maintain what they may have earned or been given. They are not paid to be priests. They are provided for for sustenance and general living. They serve. Not money. But God's will.

YOU are called to serve as well. So am I. WE are part of a different ministry. Not less than a priest or pope or nun. Different. Is the hand a lesser part of the body than the eye? You want equality? Fantastic, get on down to your Catholic Church and sign up. Maybe you can serve as a missionary in India or Baaghdaad? You like that idea? Local soup kitchen maybe? We do want you to be equal now. Get on board!!!

Now look at what the Pope overseeeeees. He oversees matters of morality and doctrine to SERVE as the focal point for decisionmaking. But he never makes a decision by himself. God reveals decisions through the entire Church, not through one individual. That is a common mistaken thought, and oh so tediously aired opinion. Are you aware of the incredible number of people involved at The Vatican on a daily basis? The academies of science, the wealth of human resources worldwide from EVERY religion, EVERY corner of the world? The Pope serves all. No one is richer in connections and poorer in material wealth than him. As humorous as it is, he is not a Sith Lord seeking omnipotent power. That childish depiction -- while hilarious given the current image of our beloved Pope Benedict XVI -- is a good anti-description. Popes serve. And we have had some great ones in recent decades. Truly great men.

As for confession, that has been well established and all the carping on earth isn't going to change a thing. You confess to God always. You do that even during your practice of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance. Then you vocalize to the priest your sins. He assures you of God's forgiveness. He doesn't forgive you himself. He's just a bro like you and me man! You have a friend, a servant and a witness before God in that priest. One who has power given to him. Not power to overwhelm or to control or perform tricks. Power to SERVE. Power to Love. As Christ loved us.

On earth as it is in heaven. That's what we're moving towards. Get going now. The Catholic Church needs you and everyone else to follow suit. YOU are the new boss. Same as the old boss

2010-02-28 09:48:53 by Spiral