Holy Orders (Christianity)

From New World Encyclopedia
(removing epname pending decision)
 
(10 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{ready}}{{images OK}}{{submitted}}
+
{{ready}}{{images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{approved}}{{copyedited}}
−
[[Image:Pope and patriarch.jpg|Pope Benedict XVI and Patriarch Bartholomew I, at the top of the holy orders of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.|right|250px|thumb]]
+
{{epname|Holy Orders (Christianity)}}
−
[[Image:Buddhist monk and Taoist priest, Mount Wutai, Shanxi, China.PNG|Holy orders in World Religions: Buddhist monk and Taoist priest, Mount Wutai, Shanxi, China.|right|250px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:Gurudeva and Bodhinatha.jpg|Gurudeva, founder of the Hindu monastery in Kauai, Hawaii, and his disciple and designated successor, Bodhinatha.|250px|thumb|right]]
 
  
−
The term '''Holy Orders''' comes from the [[Latin]] ''Ordo'' (order) and the word [[holy]] referring to the [[church]]. Historically, an ''order'' refers to an established civil body or organization with a [[hierarchy]]. Thus the term ''holy order'' as it came into usage referred to a group with a hierarchy that is engaged in [[ministry]] in the [[Christian]] church. Holy Orders is considered more of a [[vocation]] than [[occupation]] as it involves complete commitment to its practice. The term is also used more broadly, however, to refer to the hierarchy of leadership in any religious group, including but not limited to the [[Christian]], [[Muslim]], [[Buddhist]], [[Jewish]] and [[Hindu]] faiths.  
+
{{Christianity}}
 +
The term '''Holy Orders''' comes from the [[Latin]] ''Ordo'' (order) and the word [[holy]] referring to the [[church]]. Historically, an ''order'' refers to an established civil body or organization with a [[hierarchy]]. Thus, the term ''holy order'' has come into usage referring to a group with a hierarchy that is engaged in the [[ministry]] and leadership of religious group. Within the [[Christian]] Church, the term takes on an even more specific meaning when it is used to refer to a holy order as one of the Holy [[Sacrament]]s/[[Eastern Orthodox Church#Mysteries|Mysteries]] instituted by [[Jesus Christ]] as a tenet of faith of the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] and the [[Anglican Church]].  
 +
{{toc}}
 +
Members of holy orders, as leaders of their [[religion|religious]] [[community|communities]], hold the power to make their respective communities thrive or founder. They are responsible to lead the members of their communities of [[faith]] in the right direction, toward a [[morality|moral]] and [[holy]] life, toward mutual support in their community, and toward [[spirituality|spiritual]] health. Sometimes, in their zeal to further their own community of faith, members of holy orders may influence those following them to pursue the vitality and success of their own community of faith even at the expense of others, giving rise to conflicts between religious communities, an unfortunate contribution to the modern world in its struggle to achieve universal [[peace]].
  
−
The responsibilities and roles held by members of holy orders vary according to the faith, location, size, and history of the religious community to whom they serve. These duties include leading worship services, offering intercession [[prayer]]s, offering guidance to members of the religious community, instructing members of the community in [[rites]], practices, and [[scripture]]s of their respective faiths. Those under holy orders [[Ministry|minister]] to the poor, sick, elderly, and serve a host of other duties. In some communities, social or political leadership is provided by the same persons who provide religious leadership.
+
[[Image:Priestly ordination.jpg|'''Catholic:''' At priestly ordination the [[bishop]] lays hands upon the [[deacon]] as part of the process of ordaining him to become a [[priest]]. This is a photograph of the pre-[[Vatican II]] rite.|right|213px|thumb]]
  
−
Members of holy orders, once invested or ordained as leaders of their [[religion|religious]] [[community|communities]] hold the power to make their respective religious communities thrive or founder. They are charged, by virtue of their offices, with the responsibility to lead the members of their communities of [[faith]] in the direction toward a [[morality|moral]] and [[holy]] life, toward mutual support in their community, and toward [[spirituality|spiritual]] health. It is sometimes the case that the state of having been called to holy orders and being charged with a position of leadership in a particular faith, may influence individuals to pursue the vitality and success of their own community as a priority over and sometimes at the expense of other communities. This gives rise to an unfortunate contribution to the modern world as it struggles to achieve universal peace.
+
==Origin==
  
−
==Holy orders in Christianity==
+
[[Image:Žilina P6112373.jpg|'''Protestant:''' Bishop Július Filo of [[Slovakia]], Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession|thumb|right|200px]]
−
[[Image:Žilina P6112373.jpg||Bishop Július Filo of Slovakia|thumb|right|200px]]
+
[[Image:Georgischer Priester.jpg|'''Orthodox:''' [[Georgia]]n Orthodox priest, in Mtskheta, Georgia.|right|200px|thumb]]
−
[[Image:Peter Rusnák.jpg|'''Catholic''': Newly ordained Bishop Peter Rusnák, with Cardinal  Leonardo Sandri on his left and Cardinal Jozef Tomko on his right.|thumb|right|200px]]
+
[[Image:GeorgeHClements1973.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Father George H. Clements, Holy Angel Catholic Church, [[Chicago]]'s largest black Catholic church.|thumb|right|200px]]
−
[[Image:Georgischer Priester.jpg|'''Orthodox''':Georgian Orthodox priest, in Mtskheta, Georgia.|right|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:GeorgeHClements1973.jpg|'''Catholic''': Father George H. Clements, Holy Angel Catholic Church, Chicago's largest black Catholic church.|thumb|right|200px]]
 
  
−
[[Image:Butta 2006 09 28.jpg|Photograph of Tomáš Butta, patriarch of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, a Christian Church which separated from the Roman Catholic Church after World War I.|thumb|right|200px]]
 
  
−
=== Origin ===
+
Early in his ministry, [[Jesus Christ]] called several individuals, most of them fishermen, to follow him and be his disciples, and they came to be known as the twelve [[apostle]]s. These were his assistants and close aides.
−
In the Christian church, the term ''Holy Orders'' has come to refer specifically to the state of being ordained by the Holy [[Sacrament]]/[[Eastern Orthodox Church#Mysteries|Mystery]] instituted by [[Jesus Christ]] as a tenet of faith of the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] and the [[Anglican Church]], by which members of the faithful are ordained and called to serve as leaders of their respective communities of faith.
 
  
−
<blockquote>He appointed twelve, that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. Mark 3:14-15, TNIV</blockquote>
+
<blockquote>He appointed twelve, that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out [[demon]]s (Mark 3:14-15, TNIV).</blockquote>
  
−
Early in his ministry, Jesus Christ called several individuals, most of them fishermen, to follow him and be his disciples, and they came to be known as the twelve [[apostle]]s. These were his assistants and close aides. They were even given the authority to perform [[miracle]]s, such as casting out [[demon]]s as Jesus did. Before leaving this world, Jesus sent them to spread his [[gospel]] throughout the [[world]], to find new [[disciple]]s (John 20:21) and to be his representatives on earth.  
+
They were even given the authority to perform [[miracle]]s, such as casting out [[demon]]s as Jesus did. Before leaving this world, Jesus sent them to spread his [[gospel]] throughout the [[world]], to find new [[disciple]]s (John 20:21) and to be his representatives on earth.  
  
−
As the apostles started their [[Missionary|mission]], the need to get help and assistance and even to nurture successors arose. They needed to ordain new converts. The ordination ritual was characterized by the laying of hands on the appointee (Acts 6:1-7). According to the theory of [[apostolic succession]], that ritual of appointing successors and assistants is the key element of the legitimacy of the holy order of each church. As a member of a holy order, one must be [[Ordination |ordain]]ed by someone who was himself ordained. The chain of ordination links each member of the Order back in a direct line of succession to one of the apostles. Thus, there exist a historical and spiritual connection between each member of a holy order, the apostles, and the [[Christ]].  
+
As the apostles started their [[Missionary|mission]], the need to get help and assistance and even to nurture successors arose. They needed to ordain new converts to join them in leading the church. The ordination ritual was characterized by the laying of hands on the appointee (Acts 6:1-7). This ritual of ordination for those called to Holy Orders is now one of the Holy [[Sacrament]]s in the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], the ceremony is considered one of the Holy [[Eastern Orthodox Church#Mysteries|Mysteries]].  
  
−
===The effect of being ordained===
+
According to the theory of [[apostolic succession]], the ritual of successors and assistants being appointed by those who preceded them in the ministry is the key element of the legitimacy of the holy order of each church. As a member of a holy order, one must be [[Ordination|ordain]]ed by someone who was himself ordained. The chain of ordination links each member of the order back in a direct line of succession to one of the apostles. Thus, there exist a historical and spiritual connection between each member of a holy order, the [[apostle]]s, and the [[Christ]].  
−
Being ordained in a holy order allows one to partake in special grace as God’s minister and to receive [[Spiritual gift|spiritual power]]. That power conferred at ordination is permanent and cannot be revoked, in contrast to the power given to office holders such as archbishops or deans that is revoked immediately when the person leaves office. In the [[Roman Catholic church]], it is a doctrine of a [[sacrament]]al nature.  
 
  
−
===The hierarchy===
+
==The effect of being ordained==
−
Members of holy orders in the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches are divided into three levels, the order of [[Bishop]], the order of [[Priest]] and the order of [[Deacon]]. The bishop occupies the highest rank and is said to have the 'fullness of the order'. He is followed in the hierarchy by the priest, also known as presbyter. The lowest in the hierarchy, bearing the mission of servant is the deacon.  These three levels are described as the ''major orders'' in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The Orthodox Church recognizes another group of orders known as the ''minor orders''. Minor orders are composed of the reader and the subdeacon.
+
Being ordained in a holy order allows one to partake in special [[grace]] as [[God]]’s minister and to receive [[Spiritual gift|spiritual power]]. That power conferred at ordination is permanent and cannot be revoked, in contrast to the power given to office holders such as archbishops or deans that is revoked immediately when the person leaves office.  
 +
   
 +
In all denominations and religions, holy orders are considered more of a [[vocation]] than [[Employment|occupation]] as they involve complete commitment to their practice. The responsibilities and roles held by members of holy orders vary according to the faith, location, size, and history of the religious community to whom they serve.  
  
−
'''The Priest'''<br/>
+
These duties include leading [[worship]] services, offering intercession [[prayer]]s, offering guidance to members of the religious community, instructing members of the community in [[Ritual|rites]], practices, and [[scripture]]s of their respective faiths. Those under holy orders [[Ministry|minister]] to the poor, sick, elderly, and serve a host of other duties. In some communities, social or [[politics|political]] leadership is provided by the same persons who provide religious leadership.
−
The word "[[Priest]]" is a translation of a derivation of the Latin ''sacerdos'', meaning [[sacrifice]]. The priesthood is a sacrificial [[ministry]] and the priest is the official celebrant of the [[eucharist]], a rite following the commandment of Jesus at the [[The Last Supper|Last Supper]], “Do this in remembrance of me.”
 
  
−
In [[Kingdom of Israel|ancient Israel]], the culture from which the roots of the Christian church sprung, priests were the ones in charge of the [[altar]] and the [[temple]], and the central priests were also allowed to offer sacrifices, and instruct the people about the laws of [[Moses]]. According to the teachings of the [[Apostle Paul]], the Christians are the priests of the new Israel. This interpretation extends to the Roman Catholics who indicate that while all [[Christian]]s are [[priest]]s, the one who are ordained, in the position of successor to the [[apostle]]s and as stewards of the Church, have a higher status of priesthood and thus receive special grace.  
+
==The hierarchy==
 +
Members of holy orders in the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches are divided into three levels, the order of [[Bishop]], the order of [[Priest]] and the order of [[Deacon]]. The bishop occupies the highest rank and is said to have the 'fullness of the order'. He is followed in the hierarchy by the priest, who may also be known as presbyter. The lowest in the hierarchy, bearing the mission of servant is the deacon. These three levels are described as the ''major orders'' in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The Orthodox Church recognizes another group of orders known as the ''minor orders''. Minor orders are composed of the reader and the subdeacon.
  
−
Starting from the third century, the term priest was applied to bishops who were the celebrants of the [[Eucharist]]. In the fourth century, the term was given to presbyters because of their newly granted new authority to officiate the Eucharist. In the Catholic Church, priests hold only slightly less authority than bishops, and may confer all the sacraments except the sacrament of ordaining persons with holy orders. In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Church]], the priest serves at the direction of the [[Bishop]] who may confer to the priests the authority to minister in his diocese, or withdraw it, as he desires.
+
===The Priest===
 +
The word "Priest" is a translation of a derivation of the [[Latin]] ''sacerdos'', meaning [[sacrifice]]. The priesthood is a sacrificial [[ministry]] and the priest is the official celebrant of the [[Eucharist]], a rite following the commandment of Jesus at the [[The Last Supper|Last Supper]], “Do this in remembrance of me.”
  
−
'''The Bishop'''<br/>
+
In [[Kingdom of Israel|ancient Israel]], the culture from which the roots of the Christian church sprung, priests were the ones in charge of the [[altar]] and the [[temple]], and the central priests were also allowed to offer sacrifices, and instruct the people about the laws of [[Moses]]. According to the teachings of the [[Apostle Paul]], the [[Christian]]s are the priests of the new Israel. This interpretation extends to the Roman Catholics who indicate that while all Christians are [[priest]]s, the one who are ordained, in the position of successor to the [[apostle]]s and as stewards of the Church, have a higher status of priesthood and thus receive special [[grace]].  
−
According to the tradition of apostolic succession, the order of [[bishop]] has its roots in apostolic times. [[Apostle]]s appointed their successors as bishops through prayer and the laying of hands, giving them the apostolic authority and priority of rank. As the highest in rank, the can administer all of the sacrament/mysteries, and have the power to ordain priests and deacons. Under ordinary circumstances, the ordination of a bishop is usually officiated by three other bishops; only in some exceptional circumstances can a bishop be ordained by a single bishop.
 
  
−
The Petrine doctrine, based on Matthew 16:18-19 and other Biblical references, is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic church, which holds since Peter was appointed by Christ as the head of the church, and then [[martyr]]ed in [[Rome]], that the seat of the church from that time on remained in Rome.  
+
Starting from the third century, the term priest was applied to bishops who were the celebrants of the [[Eucharist]]. In the fourth century, the term was given to presbyters because of their newly granted authority to officiate the Eucharist. In the [[Catholic Church]], priests hold only slightly less authority than bishops, and may confer all the sacraments except the sacrament of ordaining persons with holy orders. In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Church]], the priest serves at the direction of the [[Bishop]] who may confer to the priests the authority to minister in his diocese, or withdraw it, as he desires.
  
−
<blockquote>And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18-19, TNIV</blockquote>
+
===The Bishop===
 +
According to the tradition of apostolic succession, the order of [[bishop]] has its roots in apostolic times. [[Apostle]]s appointed their successors as bishops through prayer and the laying of hands, giving them the apostolic authority and priority of rank.
 +
As the highest in rank, they can administer all of the sacraments/mysteries, and have the power to ordain priests and deacons. Under ordinary circumstances, the ordination of a bishop is usually officiated by three other bishops; only in some exceptional circumstances can a bishop be ordained by a single bishop.
  
−
On this basis, the Roman Catholics argue that the Bishop of Rome, as the official spiritual successor of Peter, is the head of the church.  The Bishop of Rome has the title of Pope, the head of the Roman Catholics Church. However, in the Orthodox Church as well as the Anglican Church, all bishops are equals and patriarchs or synods of bishops exercise only an “oversight of care” among the body of coequal bishops.
+
A bishop is ordained for leadership, and has the spirit of governance. He is the chief priest, ruler and teacher of one or a number of churches, usually in a specific geographic area. In the Roman Catholic and the Anglican Church, this area is called [[diocese]] and the place the bishop officiates from is called a [[cathedral]]. In the Orthodox Church, a bishop governs over an autocephalous (independent) Church.
  
−
'''The Deacon'''<br/>
+
The [[Petrine doctrine]], based on Matthew 16:18-19 and other [[Bible|Biblical]] references, is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic church, which holds that, since Peter was appointed by Christ as the head of the church, and then [[martyr]]ed in [[Rome]], the seat of the worldwide church from that time on remained in Rome.
−
From Christian tradition, the order of [[deacon]] started when the apostles ordained seven men to wait on them at table (Acts 6 1-7).  Deacons serve as assistants to the bishop and the minister of service. In the early days, this meant taking care of the property of the diocese, a function that was terminated during the middle ages.  In the Roman Catholic church, the liturgical function of the deacon consists in helping and serving the celebrant, who leads the mass and administers the [[Eucharist]].  Many protestant churches have deacons as lay officers with no sacramental or [[liturgy|liturgical]] functions.
 
  
−
===Who can be ordained===
+
<blockquote>And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it (Matthew 16:18-19, TNIV).</blockquote>
−
To be ordained, an individual should feel a vocation to serve for the sake of God’s honor and for the sake of helping humanity. Generally, appointment to the holy orders is reserved for [[seminary]] graduates. It is important to note that as the elder and leader of the church, the Bishop has the last say in any ordination and often will make further inquiries about a candidate's life to ascertain his [[moral]], [[Intelligence|intellectual]] and [[physical fitness]].
 
  
−
'''Holy orders and women'''<br/>
+
On this basis, the [[Roman Catholic]]s argue that the Bishop of Rome, as the official spiritual successor of Peter, is the head of the church. The Bishop of Rome has the title of Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. However, in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Church]] as well as the [[Anglican Church]], all bishops are equals and patriarchs or synods of bishops exercise only an :oversight of care" among the body of coequal bishops.
−
In some churches women may theoretically be ordained to the same orders as men. In others, certain offices are not available for women. The [[Church of England]] (in the Anglican Communion), for example, does not permit the consecration of women as bishops, though the [[Episcopal Church]] USA (the United States branch of the Anglican Church) does. In some denominations women can be ordained as elders or deacons. The Roman Catholic Church officially teaches that it has no authority to ordain women as priests.  
 
  
−
'''Holy orders and marriage'''<br/>
+
It is also interesting to note that while bishops are appointed by the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church, in the Orthodox and [[Anglican Communion]]s, they are elected. In the Anglican [[Church of England]] however, the bishops are appointed by the reigning monarch on the advice of the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]].  
−
Historically the issue of [[marriage]] was a matter of personnel choice, as exemplified by the letters of [[Saint Paul]]. [[Celibacy]] was not demanded by the early Church, and St. Peter was recorded as doing his mission along with his [[wife]]. However, in later times, the Roman Catholic church came to require celibacy for its priests and bishops. By contrast, in the Orthodox Church, marriage is allowed to deacons and priests, although bishops are required to live in celibacy.
 
  
−
===Ordination and orders in the Protestant church===
+
==The Deacon==
−
There are many denominations of [[Protestantism|protestants]], and likewise many variations in the process of calling and ordination to the ministry; however, there are some distinct differences between the state of being ordained in the protestant Christian church in contrast with the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches. Perhaps the most important difference is that in the protestant denominations, the process of ordination affirms and lends authority to the calling to ministry, but without imparting a special spiritual state. One of the main points of the protestant reformation was that all believers have equal and direct access to God and to [[salvation]], and that it was not necessary to approach the [[Lord]] through a mediator.  The differences in ordination, and the accompanying differences in church hierarchy reflect this difference in beliefs.
+
[[Image:Deacon Ordination.jpg|Catholic deacon candidates prostrate before the altar of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in the city of Los Angeles during a 2004 diaconate ordination liturgy.|right|300px|thumb]]
 +
According to Christian tradition, the order of [[deacon]] started when the apostles ordained seven men to wait on them at table (Acts 6 1-7). Deacons serve as assistants to the bishop and the minister of service. In the early days, this meant taking care of the property of the diocese, a function that was terminated during the middle ages.
 +
In the Roman Catholic church, the liturgical function of the deacon consists in helping and serving the celebrant, who leads the mass and administers the [[Eucharist]]. Many [[protestant]] churches have deacons as lay officers with no sacramental or [[liturgy|liturgical]] functions.
  
−
Typically, protestant churches have three ranks of ordained leadership; pastors, who are required to be seminary graduates, are ordained by the central authority of the denomination, while the elders and deacons are ordained by the gathered congregation.  Women and men are equally qualified for all positions, including pastor, in nearly all, if not all, protestant denonimations. Protestant pastors, elders, and deacons are all permitted to marry.
+
==Who can be ordained==
−
 
+
Any individual who feels a vocation to serve for the sake of God’s honor and the sanctification of service may be a candidate for ordination. Generally however, appointment to the holy orders is reserved for [[seminary]] graduates. In the Roman Catholic Church, a seminarian is often ordained as a deacon in his final year. Those who intend to continue and seek ordination as priests are referred as "transitional deacons." In the Orthodox Church, before entering the seminary, students are tonsured as readers, and may later be ordained as deacons or subdeacons. In the Anglican Church, ordination as deacons is given after graduation from theological college.  
−
<gallery>
+
It is important to note that as the elder and leader of the church, the Bishop has the last say in any ordination and often will make further inquiries about a candidate's life to ascertain his [[moral]], [[Intelligence|intellectual]] and [[physical fitness]] before deciding whether to approve a candidate's application for ordination.
−
Image:BentoXVI-30-10052007.jpg|'''Catholic''': Pope Benedict XVI, currently holding the highest rank in the holy orders of the Roman Catholic church, during a visit to São Paulo, Brazil.
 
−
Image:Priestly ordination.jpg|'''Catholic''': At priestly ordination the [[bishop]] lays hands upon the [[deacon]] as part of the process of ordaining him to become a Roman Catholic [[priest]].
 
−
Image:Biskop Erik Norman Svendsen.jpg|'''Protestant''': Bishop Erik Norman Svendsen of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark.
 
−
Image:Saint-Albin, Charles de.jpg|'''Catholic''': Charles de Saint-Aubin (1698-1764), Archbishop of Cambrai, France
 
−
Image:Noailles, Louis Antoine.jpg|'''Catholic''': Louis Antoine, cardinal de Noailles, France.
 
−
Image:Cardinal Rohan2.jpg|'''Catholic''': Cardinal de Louis Rene Edouard Rohan, the Prince de Rohan-Guemenee and Archbishop of Strassburg, Germany
 
−
Image:Jan Graubner.jpg|'''Catholic''': Archbishop Jan Graubner of the Czech Republic.
 
−
Image:Ole.D.Hagesaether.jpg|'''Anglican''': Bishop Ole D. Hagesaether of the Church of Norway
 
−
Image:Padre António Vieira.jpg|'''Catholic''': Father António Vieira of Portugal
 
−
Image:Carl Fredrik af Wingård.jpg|'''Protestant''': Carl Fredrik af Wingård (1781-1851), archbishop, Church of Sweden (Lutheran)
 
−
Image:Göran Zettergren-1.jpg|'''Protestant''': Göran Zettergren, director of the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden.
 
−
Image:Bishop Alexander (Drabynko).jpg|'''Orthodox''': Bisop Alexander (Drabynko) of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi. Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
 
−
Image:Pastor Rick Warren.jpg|'''Protestant''': Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California
 
−
Image:Vashti Murphy McKenzie.jpg|'''Episcopal''': Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, African Methodist Episcopal Church.
 
−
Image:Orthodox priests.jpg|Monks in the '''Syriac Orthodox Church''', which split from the Orthodox and Catholic churches in the fifth century.
 
−
Image:Josef Hrdlička.jpg|'''Catholic''': Josef Hrdlička, auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of Olomouc, Moravia, Czech Republic.
 
−
</gallery>
 
  
−
==The Buddhist monastic order==
+
===Holy orders and women===
−
[[Image:Dalai lama.jpg|'''Tibet''':  The Dalai Lama, head of the Tibetan Buddhist clergy, and the political and spiritual leader of Tibet.|left|200px|thumb]]
+
In some Christian traditions women may theoretically be ordained to the same orders as men. In others women are restricted from certain offices. The [[Church of England]] (in the Anglican Communion), for example, does not permit the consecration of women as bishops, though the [[Episcopal Church]] USA (the United States denomination that is part of the Anglican Communion) does. In some denominations women can be ordained as elders or deacons. Some denominations allow for the ordination of women for certain religious orders. Within certain traditions, such as the Anglican and Lutheran, there is a diversity of [[theology]] and practice regarding ordination of women.
−
[[Image:Monk 2.jpg|'''Vietnam''':  A vietnamese monk carrying a traditional begging bowl, with which to eat meals that are offered to him.|thumb|left|200px]]
+
The Roman Catholic Church, in accordance with its understanding of the theological tradition on the issue, and the definitive clarification of the issue found in the encyclical letter ''Ordinatio Sacerdotalis'' (1994) written by [[Pope John Paul II]], officially teaches that it has no authority to ordain women as priests and thus there is no possibility of female priests at any time in the future.
−
[[Image:Thai monks.jpg|'''Thailand''': A group of monks near in Luang Nam Tha, Thailand.
 
−
|thumb|left|200px]]
 
−
[[Image:Japanese Buddhist monk.PNG|'''Japan''':  A Japanese Buddhist monk|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:Propitious Occurence.jpg|'''Korea''':  A group of travelling buddhist monks from Korea visiting a Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan.|left|200px|thumb]]
 
  
−
Just as Christian holy orders can trace their roots to the Apostles of Jesus, the holy orders in [[Buddhism]] connect back to the central roots of Buddhism, the original followers of Buddha.  When [[Buddha|Prince Siddhartha]] chose to follow the ascetic path to find the truth, giving up his worldly position, and became [[Buddha]], he set up a community of monks, Bikkhu sangha (sanskrit - ''Bhiksu'') and nuns, Bikkhuni sangha, to help with the work of teaching the Dharma (Buddhist teachings). ''Bhiksu'' may be literally translated as "beggar" or more broadly as "one who lives by [[alms]]". The original rules and regulations of the monastic orders, called the [[patimokkha]], were set out by the Buddha himself, then adapted over time to keep step with changes in the world. Their lifestyle is shaped so as to support their spiritual practice, to live a simple and meditative life, and attain [[Nirvana]], the goal of all Buddhists.
+
==Holy orders and marriage==
 +
Historically the issue of [[marriage]] was a matter of personnel choice, as exemplified by the letters of [[Saint Paul]]. [[Celibacy]] is not a sacrament. It was not demanded of those with holy orders in the early church, and [[St. Peter]] was recorded as doing his mission along with his [[wife]]. However, in later times, the Roman Catholic church came to require celibacy for its priests and bishops. By contrast, in the Orthodox Church, marriage is allowed to deacons and priests, although Orthodox bishops are required to live in celibacy.
  
−
The establishment of a monastic community meant that the greater community of Buddhist faithful could be described in four groups:  male and female lay believers, and [[Bikku]] (Bhikkhu in pali and Bhikshu in Sanskrit), and Bikkhuni (Bhikkuni in Pali and Bhikshuni in Sanskrit), the male and female ordained monks. Joining the ranks of the ordained is the highest goal of Buddhist practitioners. The monks and nuns are the pillars of the community of faith, spreading Buddhist teachings and serving as living examples for the lay believers to follow.  Also, by serving as a ''field of merit'', they give laymen the opportunity to gain merit by supporting the ordained community with donations of food and money.  The disciplined life in the monastic order also contributes towards the monks' and nuns' pursuit of the liberation of [[Nirvana]] through the cycle of [[rebirth]].
+
===Ordination and orders in the Protestant church===
 +
There are many denominations of [[Protestantism|protestants]], and likewise many variations in the process of calling and ordination to the ministry; however, there are some distinct differences between the state of being ordained in the protestant Christian church in contrast with the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches. Perhaps the most important difference is that in the protestant [[denomination]]s, the process of ordination affirms and lends authority to the calling to ministry, but without imparting a special spiritual state. One of the main points of the [[Protestant Reformation|protestant reformation]] was that all believers have equal and direct access to God and to [[salvation]], and that it was not necessary to approach the [[Lord]] through a mediator. The differences in ordination, and the accompanying differences in church hierarchy reflect this difference in beliefs.
  
−
Monks usually traveled in small groups, living at the outskirts of the [[village]].  The monks depended on donations of food and clothing from the residents of the village. Part of Buddha's direction was that the members of the monastic order gather in larger groups and live together during the [[rainy season]].  The dwellings where they stayed during these times were also to be given voluntarily by people from the community. Over time, the dwellings became more permanent, the monks settled in regions; their lifestyle became less [[nomadic]], and the monks started to live communally in monasteries. The ''patimokka'', rules governing life in the [[monastery]], were developed, prescribing in great detail the way to live and relate in a community. For example, the patimokka in the [[Theravada]] branch of Buddhism contains 227 rules.  
+
Typically, protestant churches have three ranks of ordained leadership; pastors, who are required to be seminary graduates, and are ordained by the central authority of the denomination, and elders and deacons, who are ordained by the gathered congregation. Women and men are equally qualified for all positions, including pastor, in nearly all, if not all, protestant denominations. Protestant pastors, elders, and deacons are all permitted to marry.
  
−
===Joining the order===
+
==Responsibilities==
−
Laymen who wish to join the order must approach a monk who has been in the order for at least ten years, and ask to be taken in.  First ordained as a ''samanera'' (novice), they have their heads shaved, and begin to wear the robes appropriate to the order they have joined.  For a period of at least a year, they must live by the [[Ten Precepts]] -  refraining from sexual contact, refraining from harming or taking life, refraining from taking what is not given, refraining from false speech, refraining from the use of intoxicant, refraining from taking food after midday, refraining from singing, dancing, and other kind of entertainment, refraining from the use of perfume, garland and other adornments, refraining from using luxurious seat and refraining from accepting and holding money. They are not required to live by the full set of monastic rules. Boys from eight years old can be ordained as samanera. Women are usually first ordained when adults. From the age of 20, samanera can be ordained to the full level of Bikkhu or Bikkhuni.  
+
Members of holy orders are endowed with authority by the churches who ordain them. In addition, the legal systems in many modern societies also give special privileges to the clergy, in order to protect the sanctity of the church and the [[separation of church and state]]. This means that it is particularly for those who have taken holy orders to serve with sincerity, and be responsible to lead their congregations in the right direction, toward a good and holy life.
  
−
The Buddha instructed that in order to be ordained as Bikkhu or Bikkhuni, the applicant need to have a preceptor. The preceptor is usually the elderly monk that ordained the applicant as samanera. The samanera needs to approach a community of at least ten monks of at least ten years standing each and who are well respected for their virtues and learning. The monks would then ask the applicant eleven questions to assess his readiness, suitability and motives: (1) Are you free from [[disease]]? (2) Are you a human being? (3) Are you a man? (4) Are you a free man? (5) Are you free from debt? (6) Do you have any obligations to the [[king]]? (7) Do you have your parents' permission? (8) Are you at least twenty years of age? (9) Do you have your bowl and robe? (10) What is your name? (11) What is your teacher's name?  If the applicant answers satisfactorily to these questions, he/she will request ordination three times and if there is no objection from the assembly, he/she is considered a monk/nun.
+
Unfortunately, there are times when members of holy orders do not live up to their responsibility, sometimes misusing funds that are entrusted to their care, sometimes [[sexual abuse|sexually abusing]] those under their ministry, and sometimes leading those in their communities to oppose or work against other communities on the basis of different religious beliefs. Hopefully, the time will come when these problems can become a thing of the past.
  
−
Monks and nuns take their vows for a lifetime, but they can "give them back" (up to three times in one life), a possibility which is actually used by many people. In this way, Buddhism keeps the vows "clean". It is possible to keep them or to leave this lifestyle, but it is considered extremely negative to break these vows.
+
==A Gallery of Christian holy orders==
−
 
+
<gallery>
−
Unlike Christian holy orders, which define three distinct hierarchical ranks in the major orders, in Buddhism, there are not formal rules that define a hierarchy within the monastery.  However, tacit rules of obedience to the most senior member of the Sangha, and other rules stemming from the teacher/student, senior/junior and preceptor/trainee relationship are at work within the monastery. Decisions to be taken concerning life in the monastery are usually done in communal meetings.
+
Image:BentoXVI-30-10052007.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Pope Benedict XVI, currently holding the highest rank in the holy orders of the Roman Catholic church, during a visit to São Paulo, Brazil.
−
 
+
Image:Göran Zettergren-1.jpg|'''Protestant:''' Göran Zettergren, director of the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden.
−
The daily running of the [[monastery]] is in the hand of an abbess or [[abbot]] who may appoint assistants. The position of abbess / abbot are usually held by one among the senior members of the monastery. In some case he/she will be elected by the members of the order, and in other cases the lay community will choose him/her.
+
Image:Ole.D.Hagesaether.jpg|'''Anglican:''' Bishop Ole D. Hagesaether of the Church of Norway
−
 
+
Image:Bishop Alexander (Drabynko).jpg|'''Orthodox:''' Bisop Alexander (Drabynko) of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi. Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
−
Women were not originally included in the ascetic community by the Buddha. However, after incessant pressures from his aunt and stepmother, Maha Pajapati Gotami, he accepted the [[ordination]] of women. Stronger restrictions and rules were put on the communities of [[nuns]], however, such as the precedence of monks over the nuns in matter of respect and deference, the prohibition of nun teaching monks, and that the confession and punishment of nuns should be done before a joint assembly of both nuns and monks.
 
  
−
'''Robes'''
+
Image:Jan Graubner.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Archbishop Jan Graubner of the Czech Republic.
−
The special dress of ordained Buddhist monks and nuns, the robes, comes from the idea of wearing cheap clothes just to protect the body from [[weather]] and climate. They shall not be made from one piece of cloth, but mended together from several pieces. Since dark red was the cheapest colour in [[Kashmir]], the [[Tibet]]an tradition has red robes. In the south, yellow played the same role, though the color of [[saffron (color)|saffron]] also had cultural associations in [[India]]; in [[East Asia]], robes are yellow, grey or black.  
+
Image:Pastor Rick Warren.jpg|'''Protestant:''' Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California
 +
Image:Vashti Murphy McKenzie.jpg|'''Episcopal:''' Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a denomination that permits women to hold any of the holy orders.
 +
Image:Peter Rusnák.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Newly ordained Bishop Peter Rusnák, with Cardinal  Leonardo Sandri on his left and Cardinal Jozef Tomko on his right.
 +
Image:Butta 2006 09 28.jpg|'''Ecumenical:''' Tomáš Butta, patriarch of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, a Christian Church which separated from the Roman Catholic Church after World War I.
  
−
===Marriage and celibacy===
 
−
[[Celibacy]] was a requirement for the members of the Buddhist orders, as established by Buddha. Even up until today, in some branch of Buddhism this rule is still in effect. However, as the Buddha was a pragmatic teacher and the rules he set for the monastic life prone to change, he predicted, as women were ordained that the rule of celibacy will not hold for more than 500 years. In fact, since the 7th century in [[India]], some groups of monks were getting married. In [[Japan]], from the [[Heian Period|Heian period]] (794-1105 C.E.), cases of monks getting married started to appear. However it was during the [[]]Meiji restoration, from the 1860's that marriage by monks was officially encouraged by the government. Since that time, Japan remains the country with the largest number married monks among the higher orders. Marriage by monks is also practiced in other country, including [[Korea]] and [[Tibet]].
 
  
−
'''Tantric vows'''
+
Image:Orthodox priests.jpg|Monks in the '''Syriac Orthodox Church,''' which split from the Orthodox and Catholic churches in the fifth century.
−
A lay person (or a monk/nun) engaging in high [[tantric]] practices and achieving a certain level of realization will be called a [[yogi]] (female "yogini", in Tibetan naljorpa/naljorma <rnal hbyor pa/ma>). The yogis (monks or lay) observe another set of vows, the tantric vows (together with the [[bodhisattva]] vows); therefore, a yogi/yogini may also dress in a special way, so that they are sometimes called the "white sangha" (due to their often white or red/white clothes). Both ways, tantric and monastic are not mutually exclusive; although they emphasize different areas of Buddhist practice, both are ascetic.  
 
  
−
'''Other vows'''
+
Image:Josef Hrdlička.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Josef Hrdlička, auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of Olomouc, Moravia, Czech Republic
−
There are still other methods of taking vows in Buddhism. Most importantly, "Bodhisattva vows" are to be taken by all followers of [[Mahayana]] Buddhism; these vows develop an altruistic attitude. Another "centering of self" method is taking strict one-day vows which are somewhat similar to monk's/nun's vows ("Mahayana precepts"), but last only from one sunrise to another sunrise.
+
Image:Saint-Albin, Charles de.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Charles de Saint-Aubin (1698-1764), Archbishop of Cambrai, France
 +
Image:Noailles, Louis Antoine.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Louis Antoine, cardinal de Noailles, France.
 +
Image:Cardinal Rohan2.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Cardinal de Louis Rene Edouard Rohan, the Prince de Rohan-Guemenee and Archbishop of Strassburg, Germany
 +
Image:Carl Fredrik af Wingård.jpg|'''Protestant:''' Carl Fredrik af Wingård (1781-1851), archbishop, Church of Sweden (Lutheran)
 +
Image:Holy Orders Picture.jpg|''Priestly Ordination,'' a popular devotional depiction of ordination in the Roman Catholic Church from the 1920s.
 +
Image:Padre António Vieira.jpg|'''Catholic:''' Father António Vieira of Portugal
  
−
=== Conclusion ===
 
−
Ordination in Buddhism is a cluster of methods of self-discipline according to the needs, possibilities and capabilities of individuals. According to the spiritual development of his followers, the Buddha gave different levels of vows. The most advanced method is the state of a bikkhu(ni), a fully ordained follower of the Buddha's teachings. The goal of the bhikku(ni) in all traditions is to achieve liberation from suffering.
 
  
−
Beside that, the Mahayanist approach requires bodhisattva vows, and the tantric method requires tantric vows. Since some people are not attracted to monk/nun ordination, all other vows can be taken separately. On the other hand, it is said that one cannot achieve the goal without taking the vows of individual liberation—i.e., comply with the ethical disciple inscribed in these vows.
 
  
−
<gallery>
+
<!--Image:Biskop Erik Norman Svendsen.jpg|'''Protestant''': Bishop Erik Norman Svendsen of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark.—>
−
Image:Buddhist Monk.JPG|'''Sri Lanka''':  A Buddhist Monk in Sri Lanka]
 
−
Image:Young monks of Drepung.jpg|'''Tibet''': Tibetan monks engaging in a traditional monastic debate. They employ stylized movements—hand claps, finger thrusts, and posture—to emphasize their points.
 
−
Image:Monk and lanterns.jpg|'''Korea''':  Monk and Lanterns, Bongeunsa Temple, Korea.
 
−
Image:Buddhist monks.jpg|'''Korea''': Korean Buddhist monks
 
−
Image:Monk and kid.jpg|'''Vietnam''': A Vietnamese Buddhist monk taking care of a young boy.
 
−
Image:Buddhist monk.PNG|'''Thailand''': A Buddhist monk.
 
−
Image:Buddhist Monk.jpg|'''Japan''':  A Japanese monk.
 
−
Image:Australian Buddhist monk.PNG|'''Australia''': An Australian Buddhist monk.
 
−
Image:Parade of monks.jpg|'''Thailand''': A parade of monks, Wat Po, Bangkok, Thailand.
 
−
Image:Japan monk black.jpg|'''Japan''': A Japanese monk.
 
−
Image:Monk blesses the Buddhist.jpg|'''Thailand''': Young monks receiving a gift of food from a lay Buddhist.
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
−
 
+
   
−
==The Caliphate: Muslim holy orders==
 
−
[[Image:Maome.jpg|A depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, 17th century Ottoman copy of an early 14th century manuscript. The Caliphs and their successors were appointed in an unbroken chain leading back to the prophet Muhammad.|right|thumb|200px]]
 
−
[[Image:Gérôme - Mufti Reading in His Prayer Stool.jpg|''Mufti Reading in His Prayer Stool'' painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme, ca. 1900|thumb|right|200px]]
 
−
[[Image:Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,.jpg|Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran|thumb|right|200px]]
 
−
[[Image:US Imam.jpg|A Muslim Imam|thumb|right|200px]]
 
−
In [[]Isla]m, similar to Christianity and Buddhism, the lineage of holy orders leads back to the beginning of the Muslim faith, the direct disciples of the prophet [[Muhammad]].  Islam is a religious institution and also the source of the institutions that govern and rule many aspects of the social life within the Islamic community (the ummah).  At the death of the prophet Muhammad (632 C.E.), a group of Muslims at [[Medina]] convened to nominate his successor. The gathering was organized in the hut of [[Aisha]], the favorite wife of the prophet, while the preparations were being made for his burial. The Father of Aisha, [[Abu Bakr]], was chosen as the khalīfah(caliph) or successor of the prophet. As caliph, Abu Bakr was considered the political and administrative successor of the prophet. It is from the second caliph, [[Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb]] that the title came to be associated with spiritual authority.
 
−
 
 
−
However, not everyone agreed on the choice of Abu Bakr.  A faction claimed that the rightful successor of the prophet should be Alī, Muhammad's son-in-law, the husband of [[Fatimah]]. The bitterness and conflict between Ali/Fatima and Abu Bakr/Aisha and their respective supporters would lead to the major schism in Islam: the [[Sunni Islam|Sunnite]] faction, whose members abide by the choice of Abu Bakr and the [[Shi'a Islam|Shiite]] Muslims who are supporters of [[Ali]].
 
−
 
 
−
The Sunnis assert that the caliph should be from the tribe of the prophet Muhammad, the [[Quraish]]. Abu Bakr was also from that same tribe. However, in the interest of practicality, that requirement has been loosened at times, as many rulers were accepted as caliph even though they were decidedly not from the Quraish tribe. Nonetheless the fact that they were creating a conducive environment for the practice of the Islamic faith and were active participant in the spreading and protection of the [[]umma]h was a base for the legitimacy of their caliph title. There were three ways that caliphs were chosen in the Sunnite community. The early caliphs were elected by a ''[[shura]]'', or council of the elders of the community, as this was the traditional way the of chieftain delegation in the Quraish tribe. However, after a time, hereditary appropriation of the title began to overshadow the democratic process, leading to the rise of dynasties. In later centuries, accession to the head of the caliphate was sometimes accomplished by military force.
 
−
 
 
−
In theory, adherants of the Sunni Muslim faith approach [[Allah]] directly because the religion includes no intercession of saints, no officially designated holy orders or organized clerical hierarchy, and no true liturgy. In practice, however, there are duly appointed religious figures, some of whom exert considerable social and political power. Among them are men of importance in their community who lead prayers and give sermons at Friday services. Although in the larger mosques the imams are generally well-educated men who are informed about political and social affairs, an imam need not have any formal training. Among [[Bedouin]], for example, any literate member of the tribe may read prayers from the [[Quran]]. Committees of socially prominent worshipers usually run the major [[mosque]]s and administer mosque-owned land and gifts.
 
−
 
 
−
In the [[Shi'a Islam|Shiite]] realm, the [[caliph]] may also be referred to as Imam. In contrast to the Sunnis, Shiites believe that the caliph, being a direct descendant of the prophet, is divinely appointed and preserved from sin. Moreover, he has absolute spiritual authority and the power to determine matters of doctrinal importance.
 
−
 
 
−
Caliphs had temporal and spiritual power over the Muslim community; other offices were created to help them in the execution of their duties. States which were part of the caliphate were called Emirate or Sultanate headed by [[emir]] or [[sultan]]. These were usually appointed. However at times emirs and sultans seized power, or conquered states by force, and then came to the caliph to seek recognition, which the caliph often could not refuse. To help them handle both religious and legal matters, the caliphs surrounded themselves with renowned scholars and Islamic lawyers.
 
−
 
 
−
===Titles used for Islamic leaders===
 
−
Each Muslim community is independent, and the title of the cleric at the head of the community varies with the size, location and custom of the group.  The network of supporting clerics is also different from community to community.  Following is a list of the titles most frequently used for the spiritual and/or political heads of Muslim communities and the clerics who support the head of the community in various capacities.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Caliph''' is the term or title for the Islamic leader of the [[Ummah]], or community of Islam. It is an Anglicized/Latinized version of the Arabic word خليفة or Khalīfah, which means "successor", that is, successor to the prophet [[Muhammad]]. Some Orientalists wrote the title as Khalîf. The Caliph has often been referred to as Ameer al-Mumineen (أمير المؤمنين), or "Prince of the Faithful," where "Prince" is used in the context of "commander." The title has been defunct since the abolition of the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] Sultanate in 1924. Historically selected by committee, the holder of this title claims temporal and spiritual authority over all Muslims, but is not regarded as a possessor of a prophetic mission, as Muhammad is regarded in Islam as the last prophet.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Imam''' is an Arabic word meaning "Leader". The ruler of a country might be called the Imam, for example. The term, however, has important connotations in the Islamic tradition especially in Shia Beliefs . In Sunni belief, the term is used for the founding scholars of the four [[Sunni]] [[madhhab]]s, or schools of [[fiqh|religious jurisprudence]].
 
−
 
 
−
'''Ayatollah''' (Arabic: آية الله; Persian: آیت‌الله) is a high title given to major [[Shia]] clergymen. The word means 'sign of God', and those who carry the title are experts in Islamic studies such as jurisprudence, ethics, philosophy and mysticism, and usually teach in schools (hawza) of Islamic sciences. Ayatollahs can reach the position of an ''Marja-e-Taqlid'', which allows them to issue [[fatāwa]] (plural of "fatwa"). Also see [[Grand Ayatollah]].
 
−
 
 
−
'''Mullah''' are Islamic clergy who have studied the [[Qur'an]] and the [[Hadith]] and are considered experts on related religious matters in this religion. The term Mullah is a variation of the word [[mawla]] and is used mainly in [[Central Asia]] and in the [[Sub-Continent]] .
 
−
 
 
−
'''Mujtahid''' An interpreter of the Islamic scriptures, the [[Qur'an]] and [[Hadith]]. These were traditionally Muftis, who used interpretation (Arabic [[ijtihad]]) to clarify Islamic law; but in many modern secular contexts. In that case, the traditional Mufti may well be replaced by a university or [[madrasa]] professor who informally functions as advisor to the local Muslim community in religious matters such as inheritance, divorce, etc.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Muezzin''' (the word is pronounced this way Turkish, Urdu, etc.; in Arabic: مؤذن [IPA: mʊʔæðːın) is any person at the mosque who makes the [[adhan]] (call to prayer) to Friday service and the five daily prayers, or [[Salah]]. Some mosques have specific places for the adhan to be made from, such as  a [[minaret]] or a designated area in the mosque.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Sahib''' is a  denoting an Islamic leader held in high regard by one or more other Muslims. The term is used almost exclusively in the north African sub-continent area. The term is Arabic in origin and can be translated as lord, master, or friend.
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Image:Imam Shamil.jpg|Imam_Shamil (1797 - 1871), political and religious leader of the Muslim tribes of the Northern Caucasus.
 
−
Image:Imam Khomeini 38.jpg|Imam Khomeini, first and only Iranian cleric to be addressed as ''Imam''
 
−
Image:Ali Gomaa.JPG|Ali Gomaa, Grand Mufti of Egypt
 
−
Image:Ayatollah Dr. Mahdi Hadavi.JPG|Ayatollah Dr. Mahdi Hadavi, Iran
 
−
Image:Kazem Shariatmadari.jpg|Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Kazem Shariatmadari (1905 – 1986), a senior Shi'a cleric
 
−
 
 
−
</gallery>
 
−
 
 
−
==Judaism:  From the priest to the rabbi==
 
−
[[Image:Rabbi studying.jpg|A Jewish rabbi studying the holy books at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:Karol sidon rabbi.jpg|Karol Sidon, Chief Rabbi of the Czech Republic|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:Medvedev Lazar.jpg|Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar, with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (at the time Russian Deputy Prime Minister)|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:Skver.JPG|Grand Rabbi David Twersky (b. 1940) of the village of New Square, New York|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:Rav Mordechai Eliyahu.jpg|Jerusalem Rabbi Rav Mordechai Eliyahu|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:5765 HaRav Baruch Gigi.JPG|Rabbi Baruch Gigi, co-Dean of the Yeshivat Har Etzion Talmud academy, south of Jerusalem.|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
[[Jewish]] leadership has evolved over time. In the Jewish tradition, the history of holy orders begins from the time of the [[twelve tribes]] of Israel, from some time before 1000 B.C.E., with the priests and other leaders coming from the tribe of [[Levi]], starting with two members of this tribe, [[Moses]] and his elder brother, [[Aaron]].  Since the destruction of the [[Temple of Jerusalem|Second Temple in Jerusalem]] in 70 C.E., there has been no single body that has a leadership position over the entire Jewish [[diaspora]]. Various branches of [[Judaism]], as well as Jewish religious or secular communities and political movements around the world elect or appoint their governing bodies, often subdivided by country or region.
 
−
 
 
−
===Mosaic period===
 
−
Jewish society during the time of Moses was headed by the members of the Levite tribe, in both the political and religious aspects. Moses was the political leader, prophet and messenger. He was the only one having direct communication with the God of Israel. Aaron was in the position of the priest and direct assistant to Moses. The other members of the Levite tribe were spiritual assistants and aides in keeping the faith of the God of Israel.
 
−
 
 
−
As the political and spiritual leader of the Hebrews, Moses received a revelation from [[Yahweh]] (God) transmitting the [[Ten Commandments]] that became the fundamental law of the Hebrews. Moses is also credited as the author of the five first books of the Tanakh (Jewish Bible), known as the [[Pentateuch]] and the written [[Torah]]. Following the instruction of Yahweh, he also directed the Hebrews in construction the [[Mishkan]], or [[Tabernacle]], to serve as the dwelling place of God among the community, and the [[Ark of the Covenant]], which contained holy articles symbolizing the covenant between Yahweh and the [[Hebrew] people.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron is revered as the head of the Jewish priesthood. He took a decisive part in the [[exodus]] of the Hebrews from Egypt. He was instructed to act as “the mouth” of Moses in front of the Egyptian Pharaoh and his court. He is the one who asked pharaoh to liberate the people of Israel and who used his rod to show the might of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Yahweh would later order Moses to call upon Aaron and his sons to anoint and consecrate them to be perpetual priests. As priests they were the one to intercede for the people of Israel and to perform the [[sacrificial]] [[rite]]s.  Aaron is thus viewed in the Jewish tradition as the founder and head of the Jewish priesthood. Aaron was also given the unique privilege of bringing offerings on Yum Kippur (the Day of Atonement) once a year, to the holiest part of the tabernacle, the Holy of Holies.
 
−
 
 
−
===Period of the temple===
 
−
Before his death, Moses appointed Joshua as his successor. However, after Joshua, and from the time the Hebrews settled in the promised land of [[Canaan]], the position of political leader and prophet/Messenger of God was occupied by self acclaimed charismatic leaders who came to be known as the judges. The functions of political and religious leadership were later split starting with the anointment of [[King Saul]]. Starting with Saul, the king was the military and political leader of [[Israel]] while the roles of prophet and messenger of God were fulfilled by [[prophets]], who acted as spiritual advisors to the king and the people of Israel, receiving messages through visions and dreams, and transmitting them to the people of Israel and the king.
 
−
 
 
−
After a time of nomadic living and exile, the tribes of Israel settled down in [[Canaan]], and the city of [[Jerusalem]] was established as the political and religious center of the [[twelve tribes]].  During the reign of [[Solomon|King Solomon]], the first temple was constructed in Jerusalem.  The priests were the people in charge of officiating ceremony and performing the sacrificial rites. They operated in sanctuaries and [[altar]]s all throughout Israel. After the construction of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]] as the center of worship in Israel, the priest in charge of the temple was elevated to the rank of High priest, and was the leader of all the other priests. Lower ranking priests assisted in managing the finances and administration of the temple. The first high priest was Zadok, from the House of Eleazar, son of Aaron.  The succeeding high priests came from the house of Zadok.  Other religious administrators and officials came from other branches of the tribe of [[Levi]].
 
−
 
 
−
However, the priesthood was under the control of [[Politics|politicians]], who held the right to appoint the priests and sometimes removed them from office, going against the rule that the priesthood is a perpetual office. When Israel came under the control of foreign political powers, with the demise of the [[Hebrew]] kingdom, the power within Israel shifted, and from that time the High priest and priests became the center of both the spiritual and political life of the Hebrew community. This situation continued under a variety of political conditions until the second destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.  Without the Temple of Jerusalem, the Priesthood was deprived of its seat of power, and disappeared. 
 
−
 
 
−
Hebrew scholars, called [[Rabbi]]s, took over the leadership of the Hebrew people, and Judaism underwent changes to adapt to the political situation that they found themselves in, without a sovereign and without a political capital, unable to continue the rites and sacrifices of their traditional faith. The Rabbinic Judaism that developed from the first century destruction of the temple continues until today.
 
−
 
 
−
===Rabbinic Judaism===
 
−
'''70 C.E. to the 1600's'''<br/>
 
−
Rabbinic Judaism takes its origin from the work of the Pharisaic Rabbis. The [[Pharisee]]s were a religious party within Judaism that flourished between 515 B.C.E. and AD 70. They were laymen and scribes who believed that God gave two kind of law to Moses, the written law found in the [[Torah]], and the oral law stemming from the words of the [[prophet]]s and other Jewish oral traditions. The meaning and interpretation of the laws are mutable based on the contemporary circumstances and conditions and on reason. Men should use their reason to apply and interpret the Torah and the oral tradition to solve contemporary problems.
 
−
 
 
−
The Pharisees had long arguments with the priests and their religious party, the [[Sadducee]]s. To the Pharisees, worship consisted in the study of scripture, prayer and work of piety, not in the bloody sacrifices offered in the Temple by the priest. They thus promoted and developed synagogues, religious centers focused on worship and study of the torah, rather than sacrifices. With the destruction of the temple, when it became difficult for the priests to continue in performing their sacrifices, Rabbinic Judaism came into prominence and the synagogue replaced the temple as the place of worship.  For the nearly two thousand years after the destruction of the [[Second Temple]], without a the Jewish people were scattered into exile throughout the world, and turned to their most learned [[rabbi]]s for local leadership and council. During this time the original work of the [[Mishnah]] which became the "de-facto [[constitution]]" of the world's Jewry. The final editions of the [[Talmud]] became the core [[curriculum]] of the majority of Jews.
 
−
<br/>
 
−
 
 
−
'''1700's to 1800's'''<br/>
 
−
The loose collection of learned rabbis that governed the dispersed Jewish community held sway for a long time. Great parts of [[Central Europe]] accepted the leadership of the rabbinical [[Council of Four Lands]] from the 1500s to the late 1700s. In [Eastern Europe]], in spite of the rivalry between schools of thought, rabbis were regarded as the final arbiters of community decisions. Tens of thousands of [[Responsa]] and many works were published and studied wherever Jews lived in organized communities.
 
−
 
 
−
<br/>'''Modern religious leadership (after 1800s)'''
 
−
<br/>'''Decline of rabbinical influence'''<br/>
 
−
With the growth of the [[Renaissance]] and the development of the [[secular]] [[modern world]], and as Jews were welcomed into non-Jewish society particularly during the times of [[Napoleon]] in the 1700s and 1800s, Jews began to leave the [[Ghetto#Jewish ghettos in Europe|Jewish ghettos in Europe]], and simultaneously rejected the traditional roles of the rabbis as communal and religious leaders. New leaders such as [[Israel Jacobson]], father of the German [[Reform Judaism]] movement, launched an egalitarian, modernist stance that challenged the Orthodoxy. The resulting fractures in Jewish society has translated into a situation whereby there is no single religious governing body for the entire Jewish community at the present time.
 
−
<br/>
 
−
 
 
−
'''Modern Synagogue leadership'''<br/>
 
−
In individual religious congregations or [[synagogue]]s, the spiritual leader is generally the [[rabbi]].  Rabbis are expected to be learned in both the [[Talmud]] and the ''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]'' (Code of Jewish Law) as well as many other classical texts of Jewish scholarship. Rabbis go through formal training in Rabbinical texts and [[responsa]], either at a [[yeshiva]] or similar institution. "Rabbi" is not a universal term however, as many Sephardic rabbinic Jewish communities refer to their leaders as ''hakham'' ("wise man"). Among Yemenite Jews, known as ''Teimanim'', the term ''mori'' ("my teacher") is used.  Each religious tradition has its own qualifications for rabbis. In addition to the rabbi, most synagogues have a ''[[hazzan]]'' (cantor) who leads many parts of the [[Jewish services|prayer service]]. A ''[[Gabbai]]'' may fill a position similar to "[[Sexton (office)|sexton]]."
 
−
<br/>
 
−
 
 
−
'''Views under Rabbinic Judaism regarding hereditary holy orders'''<br/>
 
−
Among Rabbinic Judaism arose different forms of contemporary Judaism, including Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism, and Reconstructionist Judaism. These different branches hold differing views concerning the Kohanim (descendants of Aaron) and the other branches of the Levite tribe.
 
−
<br/>
 
−
 
 
−
'''Orthodox Judaism'''<br/>
 
−
Those who adhere to the Orthodox view of Judaism believe that the priesthood will resume its activities at the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Levites and Kohanim should therefore stand in readiness and keep their sanctity according to the prescriptions found in the Torah. The Kohanim are given privileges and precedence in religious matters over the other members of the Jewish community (the Yisroel). Kohanin are also bound to follow prescriptions and laws about purity and marriage stemming from the Torah and the Talmud. In the [[Hasidism|Hassidic]] movements, leadership is usually hereditary.
 
−
<br/>
 
−
 
 
−
'''Conservative Judaism'''<br/>
 
−
To the Conservative, even if the temple were to be rebuilt, the sacrificial rites are not to be restored. Hence, the Kohanim, even though have to keep their purity as ascribed in the Torah are given more freedom, especially in the realm of marriage.
 
−
<br/>
 
−
 
 
−
'''Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism'''<br/>
 
−
To adherants of Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism, the sacrificial rites are no longer necessary and are incompatible with modern time. Moreover, the division of the Hebrew people into social ranks based on heredity is viewed as an unegalitarian practice that should be abolished. Therefore, Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism give no recognition of any special status for the Kohanim.
 
−
 
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Image:Reb Moshe Feinstein.jpg|Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (1895–1986) was a Lithuanian Orthodox rabbi & scholar who was regarded as a rabbinic authority for Orthodox Jewry of North America.
 
−
Image:Baba Baruch.jpg|Rabbi Baba Baruch, Israel
 
−
Image:Eliyahu2.jpg|Rabbi Eliyahu, Israel
 
−
Image:Ellon.jpg|Rabbi Motti Ellon, Israel
 
−
Image:Shlomo Goren.jpg|Rabbi Shlomo Goren, who was the first head of the Military Rabbinate of the Israel Defense Forces
 
−
Image:Chernobil rabbis.jpg|Rabbis from the Chernobyl Hasidic dynasty founded by Grand Rabbi Menachem Nachum Twersky in the 1700s
 
−
Image:Jewish Canadian soldiers during WWII.jpg|Canadian Rabbi Captain Samuel Cass, conducting a worship service on German territory during World War II.
 
−
Image:Yisroel Dovid Weiss.jpg|American Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss, son of Hungarian Jewish holocaust survivors
 
−
Image:Israel-Western Wall.jpg|Rabbis studying at the Wailing Wall, where Jews come to mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple, and pray for its reconstruction.
 
−
</gallery>
 
−
 
 
−
==The caste system and Hinduism==
 
−
[[Image:Hindu priest balilt.jpg|A Hindu priest in Bali|right|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:Shivalinga Puja.JPG|A Hindu priest performing Shivapuja, a worship of Shiva|200px|thumb|right]]
 
−
[[Image:Anantadasbabaji.jpg|Sri Ananta Das Babaji Maharaja, a leading Hindu religious
 
−
figure in the contemporary Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.|200px|thumb|right]]
 
−
[[Image:Ajaib e sirio.jpg|Sant Ajaib Singh (1926-1997), a Master in Sant Mat tradition, a sect of Hinduism opposed to the caste system|200px|thumb|right]]
 
−
[[Image:Swami Vivekananda Jaipur.jpg||Swami Vivekananda Jaipur, an Indian Hindu sage of the 19th century|200px|thumb|right]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Hinduism]] is an umbrella term for various religious traditions practiced in [[India]]. It is based on an ancient religion, the [[Veda]]. The Veda was brought in India along with the invasion of the [[Aryan]]s in the North West part of India around 1500 B.C.E. To understanding the current holy order in Hinduism, it is helpful to understand the origins of Hinduism and its most ancient text, the Vedas. Aryan society, who brought the Vedas, was divided into a hierarchy made up of priests, warriors and commoners. That social stratification was adapted as they conquered new lands and more population were integrated into their society. The [[Rigveda]] recorded an ancient tradition of socioeconomic categories called [[varna]]s (colours). When the Aryans first encountered the dark-skinned people of North western India they called called them daha (enemy) or darsa( servant), and the people of these tribes came to occupy a new class of servant in the Aryan society.
 
−
 
 
−
Hymn 10.9 of the Rigveda, states that humanity emerged in the form of four varna from the self sacrificial rite of Purusha (the primal man). From the mouth of Purusha was made the [[Brahman]]s, from his arms was made the Rajanyas (later renamed Kshatriva), from his two thighs was made the Vaishyas and from his feet were born the Shudras. Member of the brahmins, rajanis and Vaishyanis group constituted the upper varnas and the Aryan invader were the members of these varnas. The darsa were members of the shudras, the lowest lower varna. Brahmans were the priests and religious officials. They were the teachers of the veda, the sacred knowledge. The kshatriva were composed of rulers and [[warriors]] and the vaishva was composed of [[farmer]]s, [[merchant]]s, [[trader]]s and [[craftmen]]. By virtue of their Aryan descent, the members of the upper varna can reach the status of dvija (twice born). The term twice born refers to the fact that the males of these varnas pass through the [[upanayana]], a ceremony to enter into Aryan adulthood, when they reach 12 years of age. Upon completion of that ceremony, the young boy is considered fit to receive sacred knowledge and participate in specified sacraments. He is reborn as a [[Hindu]].
 
−
 
 
−
The members of the shrudra varna, since they were not from Aryan descent did not participate in the ceremony of [[rebirth]]. Furthermore, they were not allowed to participate in the Vedic rites with the upper [[caste]] and did not have the privilege to study and read the Veda. They had their own priests and religious rites.
 
−
 
 
−
When the Aryans expanded their conquest further into India, they met new communities. To accommodate the social structure of their society, another stratum was added, below the shudra, the untouchables.  The members of the untouchables perform tasks considered dirty by the rest of society, such as latrine cleaner. Because of their high level of “impurity” they were segregated in hamlets outside the town or village boundary. They were forbidden entry to many temples, schools and wells from which the higher castes drew water. These practices continue even today, especially in rural areas.
 
−
 
 
−
It is believed by some scholars that membership in a varna was primarily based on ones occupation. It is however customarily accepted in Indian society that membership in a varna is primarily through birth, thus the existence of the notion of jati or [[caste]]. Hence, varna has slowly become synonym with caste.
 
−
 
 
−
The relationship between the members of castes is highly regulated around the notion of purity and impurity.  The higher castes are considered more pure and strive to maintain their purity. The lower castes are considered as source of impurity. For one to alter his/her purity level is mainly through four medium: [[marriage]], drink, food and touch. For a member of a higher caste who was contaminated with the impurity of a lower caste to gain back his/her status, he has to pass through rite of purification.
 
−
 
 
−
Social mobility within the varna is not theoretically possible during ones lifetime. For a lower varna to move up the ladder, he should be a devoted and good member of the varna and wait to be reborn after death in a higher varna. However some individuals succeeded in integration a higher varna during their lifetime.
 
−
 
 
−
They succeed mainly through emulating the higher caste and taking their habits of conduct. When this is combined with some form of power over the higher caste, the mobility is more easily accomplished. An untouchable for example, to emulate the Shudra will take on the Shudra dressing and [[diet]]etic code. He will also strive to avoid performing work the Sudra see as impure. All these effort will be deem successful if for example, the Shudra agree to eat a meal cooked by him.
 
−
 
 
−
This kind of mobility is usually between two closely ranked castes. An untouchable will hardly seek to rise from is level to the level of Brahman.  It is this process of raising up to the varna ladder and being accepted by the higher caste that was one of the main factors in the spread of Hinduism among the population of south western Asia.
 
−
 
 
−
The caste system, even though it is viewed as a fundamental ingredient of Indian society is criticized by many Hindu scholars who are seeking for its adaptation to modern time.
 
−
The untouchables, who are the lowest caste because of the burden put upon them by the varna system, usually seek refuge in religions were there is no legal caste system. Hence the easy conversion of those from this low caste to [[Buddhism]], [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]. The notion of untouchability was declared illegal in the constitution of India of 1949 and that of [[Pakistan]] in 1953. However, the varna system is still strong in rural areas and many of the untouchables are still struggling to improve their [[civil rights]] and recognition. 
 
−
 
 
−
===Sannyasa, the final stage of the varna system===
 
−
'''[[Sannyasa]]''', ([[Devanagari]]: संन्यास) ''{{IAST|sannyāsa}}'' is the ''renounced order of life'' within [[Hinduism]]. It is considered the topmost and final stage of the [[Varna in Hinduism|varna]] and [[vedic ashram system|ashram]] systems and is traditionally taken by men at or beyond the age of fifty years old or by young [[Brahmacharya|monks]] who wish to dedicate their entire life towards spiritual pursuits. One within the sannyasa order is known as a '''sannyasi''' or '''sannyasin'''.
 
−
 
 
−
<br/>'''Etymology'''<br/>
 
−
''{{IAST|Saṃnyāsa}}'' in  [[Sanskrit]] means "renunciation", "abandonment". It is a tripartite compound of [[copulative a|{{IAST|saṃ-}}]] has "collective" meaning, ''ni-'' means "down" and ''{{IAST|āsa}}'' is from the root ''{{IAST|as}}'', meaning "to throw" or "to put", so a literal translation would be "laying it all down". In dravidian languages, "sanyasi" is pronounced as "sannasi".
 
−
 
 
−
<br/>'''Danda as spiritual attribute'''<br/>
 
−
In the [[Varna in Hinduism|Varnashrama System or Dharma]] of [[Sanatana Dharma]], the '[[danda]]', a holy staff, (Sanskrit; [[Devanagari]]: दंड, lit. ''stick'') is a spiritual attribute and [[axis mundi]] of certain deities such as [[Bṛhaspati]], and holy people such as [[sadhu]] carry the danda as an austerity and marker of their station as a mendicant renunciate or [[Sannyasa|sannyasin]].
 
−
 
 
−
<br/>'''Categories of sannyasi'''<br/>
 
−
There are a number of types of sannyasi in accordance with socio-religious context. Traditionally there were four types with different stages of dedication. In recent times, sannyasi are more likely to be divided into two distinct orders: "ekadanda" (literally ''single stick'') and "tridanda' (''triple rod'' or stick) monks. The former are part of the [[Sankaracarya]] tradition, and the second is the sannyasa discipline followed by various [[vaishnava]] traditions and introduced to the west by followers of the reformer [[Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura|Siddhanta Sarasvati]]. The two orders each have their own traditions of austerities, attributes, and expectations.
 
−
 
 
−
<br/>'''Lifestyle and goals'''<br/>
 
−
The sannyasi lives a [[celibate]] life without possessions, practises [[yoga]] meditation &mdash; or in other traditions, [[bhakti]], or devotional meditation, with prayers to their chosen [[deity]] or [[God]]. The goal of the Hindu Sannsyasin is [[moksha]] (liberation), the conception of which also varies. For the devotion oriented traditions, liberation consists of union with the Divine, while for Yoga oriented traditions, liberation is the experience of the highest [[samadhi]] (enlightenment). For the [[Advaita]] tradition, liberation is the removal of all ignorance and realising oneself as one with the Supreme [[Brahman]]. Of the 108 [[Upanishad]]s of the [[Muktika]], 23 are considered Sannyasa Upanishads.
 
−
 
 
−
Within the [[Bhagavad Gita]], sannyasa is described by [[Krishna]] as follows:
 
−
<blockquote>
 
−
"The giving up of activities that are based on material desire is what great learned men call the renounced order of life [sannyasa]. And giving up the results of all activities is what the wise call renunciation [tyaga]." (18.2)<ref> [http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com/18/2/en1 Bhagavad Gita 18.2] </ref> </blockquote>
 
−
 
 
−
The term is generally used to denote a particular phase of life. In this phase of life, the person develops ''vairāgya,'' or a state of determination and detachment from material life. He renounces all worldly thoughts and desires, and spends the rest of his life in spiritual contemplation. It is the last in the four phases of a man, namely, [[brahmacharya]], [[grihastha]], [[vanaprastha]], and finally sannyasa, as prescribed by [[Manusmriti]] for the [[Dwija]] castes, in the Hindu system of life. However, these four stages are not necessarily sequential, but on the other hand can not be reversed, in other sense they are progressive phases, one can skip one, two or three ashrams, but can never revert back to an earlier ashrama or phase. Various Hindu traditions allow for a man to renounce the material world from any of the first three stages of life.
 
−
 
 
−
<br/>'''Monasticism'''<br/>
 
−
Unlike monks in the Western world, whose lives are regulated by a monastery or an abbey and its rules, some Hindu sannyasin are loners and wanderers (parivrājaka). Hindu monasteries ([[matha]]s) never have a huge number of monks living under one roof. The monasteries exist primarily for educational purposes and have become centers of pilgrimage for the lay population. Ordination into any Hindu monastic order is purely at the discretion of the individual guru, or teacher, who should himself be an ordained sannyasi within that order. Most traditional Hindu orders do not have women sannyasis, but this situation is undergoing changes in recent times.
 
−
 
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Image:Priest in Bull Temple.jpg|Hindu priest placing garlands of fresh flowers on the head of a massive statue of the god Shiva's bull Nandi.
 
−
Image:Lahiri Mahasaya.jpg|Lahiri Mahasaya (1828-1895), was an Indian yogi and a disciple of Mahavatar Babaji who revived the yogic science of Kriya Yoga.
 
−
Image:Sri Anandamoyi Ma.jpg|Sri Anandamoyi Ma (1896-1982), a spiritual teacher (Guru), saint and a mystic from Bengal, one of prominent mystics of the 20th century.
 
−
Image:Ravidaskijai.JPG|Guru Ravidas, Indian Hindu religious leader and founder Satguru of the ''Ravidasi'' beliefs, revered by most Hindus as a Sant
 
−
Image:Narayan Maharaj 3.jpg|Narayan Maharaj (1885-1945) was a Hindu Indian spiritual master considered by his followers to be a sadguru, or true teacher.
 
−
Image:Hindu priest altar.jpg|A Hindu priest makes preparations at the alter before a wedding.
 
−
Image:Hindu priest madras.jpg|A priest at the Kapaleeshwar Temple, the oldest temple in Chennai, India.
 
−
Image:3 braham priests.jpg|Three brahman priests participating in daylong yagna ceremony at Kothavala in Ganeshpuri, India
 
−
Image:Wedding fire.jpg|A Brahman priest tends to the ceremonial fire at a Hindu wedding.
 
−
Image:Brahman priest speaking.jpg|A Brahman priest leading a yagna puja ritual.
 
−
</gallery>
 
−
 
 
−
==Holy orders in Sikhism==
 
−
[[Image:Guru nanak.jpg|Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1538), founder of Sikhism|200px|thumb|right]]
 
−
[[Image:Sri Guru Granth Sahib.jpg|A Granthi reciting from ''Guru Granth Sahib'', the primary Holy Book of the Sikhs|200px|thumb|right]]
 
−
 
 
−
[[Sikhism]] is a religion that began in the fifteenth century in northern India, based on the teachings of [[Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji]], the first guru of Sikhism.  [[Guru Nanak]], was opposed to the caste system prevalent in India in his time, and he accepted Hindus, Muslims and people from other religions as disciples. His followers referred to him as the Guru (teacher). Before his death he designated a new Guru to be his successor and to lead the Sikh community. This procedure was continued, until the tenth and last Guru, [[Guru Gobind Singh]] (AD 1666–1708) initiated in the Sikh ceremony in AD 1699.
 
−
 
 
−
[[Sikhism]] is derived from the Sanskrit word ''shishya'', or disciple. The core beliefs of Sikhism are of belief in one God and in the teachings of the [[The Ten Gurus of Sikhism|Ten Gurus]], enshrined in [[Guru Granth Sahib]], the Sikh holy book.
 
−
 
 
−
After the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708), the written scriptures based on the teaching of the ten gurus, now referred to as '''''Guru Granth Sahib''''', took the place of central authority and the focus of worship of the Sikhs.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Guru'''<br/>
 
−
The title [[Guru]] ([[Gurmukhi]]: ਗੁਰੂ) is fundamental to the [[Sikhs|Sikh]] religion.  The word ''guru'' means teacher, and indeed, the Sikhs have carried the word to an even greater abstraction.  On the importance of ''guru'', Nanak taught: ''Let no man in the world live in delusion. Without a Guru none can cross over to the other shore. ''
 
−
 
 
−
In addition to [[The Sikh Gurus|the Ten Gurus of Sikhism]], the [[Guru Granth Sahib]], their holy book, was made the eleventh perpetual guru of the [[Sikh]]s. Together they make up the Eleven Gurus of Sikhism.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Granthi'''<br/>
 
−
A '''granthi''' is a person among Sikh devotees who leads [[prayer]]s and reads from the holy [[scripture]], the ''Guru Granth Sahib'', central parts of Sikh [[worship]].  The [[granthi]] is also responsible for taking are of the holy book, making sure it is keep clean and treated with utmost respect.  The granthi is assisted in serving visitors to the ''[[Gurdwara]]'', or temple, by volunteers, called ''sewadar''.
 
−
 
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Image:Guru Har Rai.jpg|Guru Har Rai, seventh of the ten Sikh Gurus.
 
−
Image:Guru Gobind Singh meets Guru Nanak Dev.jpg|Guru Gobind Singh (with bird) encounters Guru Nanak Dev. An 18th century painting of an imaginary meeting.
 
−
Image:Dictation of the Guru Granth Saheb.jpg|Traditional depiction of the dictation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, by Guru Arjan to Bhai Gurdas.
 
−
</gallery>
 
−
 
 
−
==Daoist cleric orders==
 
−
[[Image:Singaporean Taoist priest.PNG|Daoist priest in Singapore.|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Image:Taoist clergymen in red robes.PNG|Red robed Daoist clergymen performing Daoist meditative music|left|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Daoism]] is a collection of religious practices with ancient [[Chinese]] roots estimated to go back as early as 500 B.C.E. or farther.  The development of Daoism was influenced by the teaching of [[Laozi]] (dates unknown) and [[Zhuangzi]] (4th c. BCE), but they are not considered founders of Daoism.  The absence of a single specific starting event or teacher means that the holy orders in [[Daoism]] do not eminate from a single historical source; nevertheless, Daoist Priests are viewed with a great deal of respect and authority, and new priests can only attain their status through them.
 
−
 
 
−
Training to become a Daoist priest begins with choosing a Daoist master (priest) and begin training in the Daoist scriptures and commandments, which are traditionally transmited orally from Master to student.  After a period of study, the master will decide whether the young adept has a character appropriate to begin registration and continue study on the path to what the Daoists call Complete Perfection, and if he is qualified, he may become a formal disciple, and begins study toward qualification to be added to the formal Register.  After the long study and practice required to reach complete perfection, a process that may require as many as 120 different areas of mastery, the disciple will be added to the Register of the sect under which he has been studying.  To attain  higher recognition and authority within the Dao community, he must then study further, and be granted registration in other sects, beyond his own.
 
−
 
 
−
Daoist priests serve in the [[temples]], guiding lay Daoists and novices, and leading the rites and practices of Daoism in the temples.  These include morning and evening rites, which involve incantations, readings of scriptures, as well as fasting and the practice of '''Refining the Vital Breath''', accomplished through special Daoist gymnastics.  Some Daoist clerics devote time to Daoist music, which is meant to enhance meditation.
 
−
 
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Image:Taoist priests officiating rites (0).PNG|A Daoist priest officiating over rites
 
−
Image:Taoist ritual.PNG|Daoist priests participating in a ritual
 
−
Image:Taoist priestesses playing music.PNG|Daoist priestesses performing music
 
−
Image:Taoist_priests_concert.PNG|Daoists priests performing Daoist music
 
−
Image:Spanish Taoist priests.PNG|Some Spanish Daoist priests
 
−
</gallery>
 
−
==Shinto priests==
 
−
[[Image:Priest at Dazaifu Tenmagu shrine 1.JPG|A Shinto Priest at Dazaifu Tenmagu shrine|right|200px|thumb]]
 
−
[[Shinto]] is a ancient set of customs, rites and practices of [[Japan]] with origins going back thousands of years.  Sometimes described as a religion, and sometimes simply as a way of life, Shinto rites and ceremonies touch almost every aspect of Japanese life.  Prayers, rites and ceremonies are carried out at public and private shrines, sometimes alone, or with family members, and sometimes in the company of a Shinto Priest.
 
−
 
 
−
<br/>'''Becoming a Shinto priest'''<br/>
 
−
To become a Shinto priest, it is necessary to pass the certification test administered by the Association of Shinto Shrines.  The most common way to prepare for the test is to attend a training course, either a post-secondary course in the Shinto departments Kōgakkan [[University]] or Kokugakuin University, or a shorter one and two year programs, available for candidates who have already attended college and need only the specialized Shinto courses.  It is also possible to take a shorter course or study privately; the primary requirement is passing the certification test.<ref>Encyclopedia of Shinto, [http://eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp/modules/xwords/entry.php?entryID=515 ''Establishment of a National Learning Institute for the Dissemination of Research on Shinto and Japanese Culture'', April 13, 2006], Kokugakuin University. Retrieved September 7, 2008.</ref>
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
Image:ShintoistPriest.PNG|A Shinto priest
 
−
Image:Shinto priests marching.jpg|Procession of Shinto priests at the Meiji Temple Shrine
 
−
Image:Shinto priest.jpg|A priest a a Shinto Shrine in Hachioji, Japan
 
−
Image:Shinto priest with tea.jpg|A priest at the Meiji Temple Shrine, Tokyo
 
−
Image:Shinto wedding procession.jpg|Shinto priest leading a wedding procession
 
−
</gallery>
 
−
 
 
−
==Summary==
 
−
Various religious traditions have leaders that are members of holy orders.  They perform a wide variety of functions in their religious communities, including leading worship, teaching scriptures, guiding prayers, ministering to the poor, the sick, the troubled, organizing community services of many kinds, and many other types of service.  In some religious societies, attaining holy orders also brings with it duties of political, military or social leadership in addition to religious leadership.
 
−
 
 
−
All varieties of holy orders gain their authority from long revered and respected traditions and lineages of earlier leaders. Care is taken to make sure new members of the order are qualified and adequately trained to equip them for religious leadership and service.  In addition, members of holy orders are called upon to teach by example, to show an exemplary way of life that other adherants can watch and learn from. In their teaching, their guidiance, their religous leadership and by their examples, members of holy orders hold the ability to exert a great amount of influence on the lives of those in their communities, and on the relationships between them, and between their community and other communities.  In this way, they hold the power to greatly influence the future course of world history.
 
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
−
*[[Buddhism]]
+
*[[Ecumenical Council]]
−
*[[Daoism]]
+
*[[Holy orders]]
−
*[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]
+
*[[Papacy]]
−
*[[Islam]]
+
*[[Sacrament]]
−
*[[Judaism]]
+
*[[Worship]]
−
*[[Protestantism]]
 
−
*[[Roman Catholic Church]]
 
−
*[[Shintoism]]
 
−
*[[Sikhism]]
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==Notes==
 
−
<references/>
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
*Campbell, Dennis M. ''The yoke of obedience: the meaning of ordination in Methodism''. United Methodist studies. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1988. ISBN 9780687466603
+
*Campbell, Dennis M. ''The Yoke of Obedience: The Meaning of Ordination in Methodism''. United Methodist studies. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1988. ISBN 9780687466603
−
*Crone, Patricia, and Martin Hinds. ''God's caliph: religious authority in the first centuries of Islam'', University of Cambridge oriental publications, no. 37. Cambridge [Cambridgeshire]: Cambridge University Press, 1986. ISBN 9780521321853
+
*Oden, Thomas C. ''Pastoral Theology: Essentials of Ministry''. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983. ISBN 9780060663537.
−
*Donner, Fred McGraw. ''The early Islamic conquests''. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1981. ISBN 9780691053271
+
*Willimon, William H. ''Calling & Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life''. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2000. ISBN 9780687090334.
−
*Inwood, Kristiaan. ''Bhikkhu: Disciple of the Buddha''. Bangkok: Thai Watana Panich, 1981.  OCLC: 8490186.
+
*Willimon, William H. ''Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry''. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002. ISBN 9780687045327.
−
*Klein, Isaac. ''A guide to Jewish religious practice'', The Moreshet series, v. 6. New York: Jewish Theological Seminary of America, 1979. ISBN 9780873340045.
+
−
*Klein, Isaac. ''Responsa and halakhic studies''. New York: Ktav Pub. House, 1975. ISBN 9780870682889
 
−
*Oden, Thomas C. ''Pastoral theology: essentials of ministry''. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983. ISBN 9780060663537
 
−
*Skorecki, K., S. Selig, S. Blazer, R. Bradman, N. Bradman, P. J. Warburton, M. Ismajlowicz, and M. F. Hammer. 1997. "Y chromosomes of Jewish priests". NATURE -LONDON-. (6611): 32. OCLC: 201839588  Available online: [http://www.familytreedna.com/nature97385.html HTML], Retrieved September 13, 2008.
 
−
*Willimon, William H. ''Calling & character: virtues of the ordained life''. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2000. ISBN 9780687090334
 
−
*Willimon, William H. ''Pastor: the theology and practice of ordained ministry''. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002. ISBN 9780687045327
 
−
 
 
−
==External links==
 
−
All links retrieved September 13, 2008
 
−
*[http://www.catholic-vocations.com/ Old Catholic Vocations Website].
 
−
*[http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Sacraments/HolyOrders.asp Priesthood - Catholic Sacrament of Holy Orders - Ordination].
 
−
*[http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/index.htm Vatican II Council].
 
−
*[http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/261104/jewish/The-Laws-of-the-Priestly-Blessing.htm The Laws of the Priestly Blessing]
 
−
*[http://shamash.org/lists/scj-faq/HTML/faq/09-01.html How does a rabbi differ from a priest?]
 
−
*[http://cohen-levi.org/ The Tribe, the Cohen-Levi Family Heritage]
 
−
*[http://shrigururavidass.com/saakhi2.html Story about a lower caste guru with more spiritual power than a brahmin]
 
−
*[http://www.faithintowerhamlets.com/default/1100.guide/guides/moredetail/shinto.htm Information on Shinto]
 
−
*[http://www.geocities.com/goemailshana/divisions.html Shinto:  An Ancient Japanese Religion]
 
−
*[http://www.amigavilag.hu/japan/hirooka-e.html Shinto and Buddhism in Japan]
 
−
 
 
 
[[Category:philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:religion]]
 
[[Category:religion]]
  
−
{{credits|Holy_Orders|216007967|Bhikkhu|233023262|Islamic_religious_leaders|234148964|Islam_in_Syria|235211592|Jewish_leadership|227978363|Sannyasa|233899732|Guru|238011938}}
+
{{credits|Holy_Orders|216007967}}

Latest revision as of 11:04, 2 February 2024

Part of a series of articles on
Christianity
Christianity

Foundations
Jesus Christ
Church · Theology
New Covenant · Supersessionism
Dispensationalism
Apostles · Kingdom · Gospel
History of Christianity · Timeline

Bible
Old Testament · New Testament
Books · Canon · Apocrypha
Septuagint · Decalogue
Birth · Resurrection
Sermon on the Mount
Great Commission
Translations · English
Inspiration · Hermeneutics

Christian theology
Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
History of · Theology · Apologetics
Creation · Fall of Man · Covenant · Law
Grace · Faith · Justification · Salvation
Sanctification · Theosis · Worship
Church · Sacraments · Eschatology

History and traditions
Early · Councils
Creeds · Missions
Great Schism · Crusades · Reformation
Great Awakenings · Great Apostasy
Restorationism · Nontrinitarianism
Thomism · Arminianism
Congregationalism

Topics in Christianity
Movements · Denominations
Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer
Music · Liturgy · Calendar
Symbols · Art · Criticism

Important figures
Apostle Paul · Church Fathers
Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine
Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe
Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley
Arius · Marcion of Sinope
Pope · Patriarch of Constantinople

Christianity Portal

The term Holy Orders comes from the Latin Ordo (order) and the word holy referring to the church. Historically, an order refers to an established civil body or organization with a hierarchy. Thus, the term holy order has come into usage referring to a group with a hierarchy that is engaged in the ministry and leadership of religious group. Within the Christian Church, the term takes on an even more specific meaning when it is used to refer to a holy order as one of the Holy Sacraments/Mysteries instituted by Jesus Christ as a tenet of faith of the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church.

Members of holy orders, as leaders of their religious communities, hold the power to make their respective communities thrive or founder. They are responsible to lead the members of their communities of faith in the right direction, toward a moral and holy life, toward mutual support in their community, and toward spiritual health. Sometimes, in their zeal to further their own community of faith, members of holy orders may influence those following them to pursue the vitality and success of their own community of faith even at the expense of others, giving rise to conflicts between religious communities, an unfortunate contribution to the modern world in its struggle to achieve universal peace.

Catholic: At priestly ordination the bishop lays hands upon the deacon as part of the process of ordaining him to become a priest. This is a photograph of the pre-Vatican II rite.

Origin

Protestant: Bishop Július Filo of Slovakia, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession
Orthodox: Georgian Orthodox priest, in Mtskheta, Georgia.
Catholic: Father George H. Clements, Holy Angel Catholic Church, Chicago's largest black Catholic church.


Early in his ministry, Jesus Christ called several individuals, most of them fishermen, to follow him and be his disciples, and they came to be known as the twelve apostles. These were his assistants and close aides.

He appointed twelve, that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons (Mark 3:14-15, TNIV).

They were even given the authority to perform miracles, such as casting out demons as Jesus did. Before leaving this world, Jesus sent them to spread his gospel throughout the world, to find new disciples (John 20:21) and to be his representatives on earth.

As the apostles started their mission, the need to get help and assistance and even to nurture successors arose. They needed to ordain new converts to join them in leading the church. The ordination ritual was characterized by the laying of hands on the appointee (Acts 6:1-7). This ritual of ordination for those called to Holy Orders is now one of the Holy Sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the ceremony is considered one of the Holy Mysteries.

According to the theory of apostolic succession, the ritual of successors and assistants being appointed by those who preceded them in the ministry is the key element of the legitimacy of the holy order of each church. As a member of a holy order, one must be ordained by someone who was himself ordained. The chain of ordination links each member of the order back in a direct line of succession to one of the apostles. Thus, there exist a historical and spiritual connection between each member of a holy order, the apostles, and the Christ.

The effect of being ordained

Being ordained in a holy order allows one to partake in special grace as God’s minister and to receive spiritual power. That power conferred at ordination is permanent and cannot be revoked, in contrast to the power given to office holders such as archbishops or deans that is revoked immediately when the person leaves office.

In all denominations and religions, holy orders are considered more of a vocation than occupation as they involve complete commitment to their practice. The responsibilities and roles held by members of holy orders vary according to the faith, location, size, and history of the religious community to whom they serve.

These duties include leading worship services, offering intercession prayers, offering guidance to members of the religious community, instructing members of the community in rites, practices, and scriptures of their respective faiths. Those under holy orders minister to the poor, sick, elderly, and serve a host of other duties. In some communities, social or political leadership is provided by the same persons who provide religious leadership.

The hierarchy

Members of holy orders in the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches are divided into three levels, the order of Bishop, the order of Priest and the order of Deacon. The bishop occupies the highest rank and is said to have the 'fullness of the order'. He is followed in the hierarchy by the priest, who may also be known as presbyter. The lowest in the hierarchy, bearing the mission of servant is the deacon. These three levels are described as the major orders in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The Orthodox Church recognizes another group of orders known as the minor orders. Minor orders are composed of the reader and the subdeacon.

The Priest

The word "Priest" is a translation of a derivation of the Latin sacerdos, meaning sacrifice. The priesthood is a sacrificial ministry and the priest is the official celebrant of the Eucharist, a rite following the commandment of Jesus at the Last Supper, “Do this in remembrance of me.”

In ancient Israel, the culture from which the roots of the Christian church sprung, priests were the ones in charge of the altar and the temple, and the central priests were also allowed to offer sacrifices, and instruct the people about the laws of Moses. According to the teachings of the Apostle Paul, the Christians are the priests of the new Israel. This interpretation extends to the Roman Catholics who indicate that while all Christians are priests, the one who are ordained, in the position of successor to the apostles and as stewards of the Church, have a higher status of priesthood and thus receive special grace.

Starting from the third century, the term priest was applied to bishops who were the celebrants of the Eucharist. In the fourth century, the term was given to presbyters because of their newly granted authority to officiate the Eucharist. In the Catholic Church, priests hold only slightly less authority than bishops, and may confer all the sacraments except the sacrament of ordaining persons with holy orders. In the Orthodox Church, the priest serves at the direction of the Bishop who may confer to the priests the authority to minister in his diocese, or withdraw it, as he desires.

The Bishop

According to the tradition of apostolic succession, the order of bishop has its roots in apostolic times. Apostles appointed their successors as bishops through prayer and the laying of hands, giving them the apostolic authority and priority of rank. As the highest in rank, they can administer all of the sacraments/mysteries, and have the power to ordain priests and deacons. Under ordinary circumstances, the ordination of a bishop is usually officiated by three other bishops; only in some exceptional circumstances can a bishop be ordained by a single bishop.

A bishop is ordained for leadership, and has the spirit of governance. He is the chief priest, ruler and teacher of one or a number of churches, usually in a specific geographic area. In the Roman Catholic and the Anglican Church, this area is called diocese and the place the bishop officiates from is called a cathedral. In the Orthodox Church, a bishop governs over an autocephalous (independent) Church.

The Petrine doctrine, based on Matthew 16:18-19 and other Biblical references, is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic church, which holds that, since Peter was appointed by Christ as the head of the church, and then martyred in Rome, the seat of the worldwide church from that time on remained in Rome.

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of death will not overcome it (Matthew 16:18-19, TNIV).

On this basis, the Roman Catholics argue that the Bishop of Rome, as the official spiritual successor of Peter, is the head of the church. The Bishop of Rome has the title of Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Church. However, in the Orthodox Church as well as the Anglican Church, all bishops are equals and patriarchs or synods of bishops exercise only an :oversight of care" among the body of coequal bishops.

It is also interesting to note that while bishops are appointed by the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church, in the Orthodox and Anglican Communions, they are elected. In the Anglican Church of England however, the bishops are appointed by the reigning monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The Deacon

Catholic deacon candidates prostrate before the altar of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in the city of Los Angeles during a 2004 diaconate ordination liturgy.

According to Christian tradition, the order of deacon started when the apostles ordained seven men to wait on them at table (Acts 6 1-7). Deacons serve as assistants to the bishop and the minister of service. In the early days, this meant taking care of the property of the diocese, a function that was terminated during the middle ages. In the Roman Catholic church, the liturgical function of the deacon consists in helping and serving the celebrant, who leads the mass and administers the Eucharist. Many protestant churches have deacons as lay officers with no sacramental or liturgical functions.

Who can be ordained

Any individual who feels a vocation to serve for the sake of God’s honor and the sanctification of service may be a candidate for ordination. Generally however, appointment to the holy orders is reserved for seminary graduates. In the Roman Catholic Church, a seminarian is often ordained as a deacon in his final year. Those who intend to continue and seek ordination as priests are referred as "transitional deacons." In the Orthodox Church, before entering the seminary, students are tonsured as readers, and may later be ordained as deacons or subdeacons. In the Anglican Church, ordination as deacons is given after graduation from theological college. It is important to note that as the elder and leader of the church, the Bishop has the last say in any ordination and often will make further inquiries about a candidate's life to ascertain his moral, intellectual and physical fitness before deciding whether to approve a candidate's application for ordination.

Holy orders and women

In some Christian traditions women may theoretically be ordained to the same orders as men. In others women are restricted from certain offices. The Church of England (in the Anglican Communion), for example, does not permit the consecration of women as bishops, though the Episcopal Church USA (the United States denomination that is part of the Anglican Communion) does. In some denominations women can be ordained as elders or deacons. Some denominations allow for the ordination of women for certain religious orders. Within certain traditions, such as the Anglican and Lutheran, there is a diversity of theology and practice regarding ordination of women. The Roman Catholic Church, in accordance with its understanding of the theological tradition on the issue, and the definitive clarification of the issue found in the encyclical letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (1994) written by Pope John Paul II, officially teaches that it has no authority to ordain women as priests and thus there is no possibility of female priests at any time in the future.

Holy orders and marriage

Historically the issue of marriage was a matter of personnel choice, as exemplified by the letters of Saint Paul. Celibacy is not a sacrament. It was not demanded of those with holy orders in the early church, and St. Peter was recorded as doing his mission along with his wife. However, in later times, the Roman Catholic church came to require celibacy for its priests and bishops. By contrast, in the Orthodox Church, marriage is allowed to deacons and priests, although Orthodox bishops are required to live in celibacy.

Ordination and orders in the Protestant church

There are many denominations of protestants, and likewise many variations in the process of calling and ordination to the ministry; however, there are some distinct differences between the state of being ordained in the protestant Christian church in contrast with the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches. Perhaps the most important difference is that in the protestant denominations, the process of ordination affirms and lends authority to the calling to ministry, but without imparting a special spiritual state. One of the main points of the protestant reformation was that all believers have equal and direct access to God and to salvation, and that it was not necessary to approach the Lord through a mediator. The differences in ordination, and the accompanying differences in church hierarchy reflect this difference in beliefs.

Typically, protestant churches have three ranks of ordained leadership; pastors, who are required to be seminary graduates, and are ordained by the central authority of the denomination, and elders and deacons, who are ordained by the gathered congregation. Women and men are equally qualified for all positions, including pastor, in nearly all, if not all, protestant denominations. Protestant pastors, elders, and deacons are all permitted to marry.

Responsibilities

Members of holy orders are endowed with authority by the churches who ordain them. In addition, the legal systems in many modern societies also give special privileges to the clergy, in order to protect the sanctity of the church and the separation of church and state. This means that it is particularly for those who have taken holy orders to serve with sincerity, and be responsible to lead their congregations in the right direction, toward a good and holy life.

Unfortunately, there are times when members of holy orders do not live up to their responsibility, sometimes misusing funds that are entrusted to their care, sometimes sexually abusing those under their ministry, and sometimes leading those in their communities to oppose or work against other communities on the basis of different religious beliefs. Hopefully, the time will come when these problems can become a thing of the past.

A Gallery of Christian holy orders

  • Catholic: Pope Benedict XVI, currently holding the highest rank in the holy orders of the Roman Catholic church, during a visit to São Paulo, Brazil.

  • Protestant: Göran Zettergren, director of the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden.

  • Anglican: Bishop Ole D. Hagesaether of the Church of Norway

  • Orthodox: Bisop Alexander (Drabynko) of Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi. Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

  • Catholic: Archbishop Jan Graubner of the Czech Republic.

  • Protestant: Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California

  • Episcopal: Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a denomination that permits women to hold any of the holy orders.

  • Catholic: Newly ordained Bishop Peter Rusnák, with Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on his left and Cardinal Jozef Tomko on his right.

  • Ecumenical: Tomáš Butta, patriarch of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, a Christian Church which separated from the Roman Catholic Church after World War I.

  • Monks in the Syriac Orthodox Church, which split from the Orthodox and Catholic churches in the fifth century.

  • Catholic: Josef Hrdlička, auxiliary bishop of Archdiocese of Olomouc, Moravia, Czech Republic

  • Catholic: Charles de Saint-Aubin (1698-1764), Archbishop of Cambrai, France

  • Catholic: Louis Antoine, cardinal de Noailles, France.

  • Catholic: Cardinal de Louis Rene Edouard Rohan, the Prince de Rohan-Guemenee and Archbishop of Strassburg, Germany

  • Protestant: Carl Fredrik af Wingård (1781-1851), archbishop, Church of Sweden (Lutheran)

  • Priestly Ordination, a popular devotional depiction of ordination in the Roman Catholic Church from the 1920s.

  • Catholic: Father António Vieira of Portugal

See also

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Campbell, Dennis M. The Yoke of Obedience: The Meaning of Ordination in Methodism. United Methodist studies. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1988. ISBN 9780687466603
  • Oden, Thomas C. Pastoral Theology: Essentials of Ministry. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983. ISBN 9780060663537.
  • Willimon, William H. Calling & Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2000. ISBN 9780687090334.
  • Willimon, William H. Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002. ISBN 9780687045327.

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Holy_Orders&oldid=1135557

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki