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| − | [[Image:Deacon Ordination.jpg|thumb|Catholic deacon candidates prostrate before the altar of the Cathedral of [[Our Lady of the Angels]] in city of Los Angeles during a 2004 diaconate ordination liturgy]]{{portal|Christianity}}
| + | The term '''Holy Orders''' from the Latin Ordo (order) and the word Holy referring to the church. The order in Ordo refers historically to an established civil body or corporation with a hierarchy. From that definition, the term Holy order refers to a group with a hierarchy set apart for Ministry in the church. In this article however, the term is referring more specifically to the Holy Order as a Holy Sacrament/Mystery instituted by Jesus Christ as believed by the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church. |
| − | In a general sense, the term '''Holy Orders''' refers to those in the Christian religion who have been [[ordination|ordained]] in [[Apostolic Succession]]. As a more theologically technical term in the [[Roman Catholic]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]], [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]], [[Anglican]], [[Old Catholic]], [[Independent Catholic]] and [[Assyrian Church of the East|Assyrian]] churches, it is a Sacrament in which the candidate is ordained as a bishop, priest or deacon.
| + | == Origin == |
| − | | + | <blockquote>He ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. Mark 3:14-15</blockquote> |
| − | Historically, the word "order" (Latin ''[[:wikt:ordo|ordo]]'') designated an established civil body or corporation with a hierarchy, and ''[[:wikt:ordinatio|ordinatio]]'' meant legal incorporation into an ''ordo''. The word "holy" refers to the [[Ecclesia (Church)|Church]]. In context, therefore, a holy order is simply a group with a hierarchy that is set apart for ministry in the Church.
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| − | ===Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox perspectives===
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| − | ::''Main articles: [[Priesthood (Catholic Church)]] and [[Bishop (Catholic Church)]]
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| − | The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and Eastern Orthodox Churches number Holy Orders, which is the Sacrament that confers [[ordination]] as [[Bishop (Catholic Church)|bishops]], [[Presbyterium|priests]], and deacons of the church, among three [[Sacraments of the Catholic Church|sacraments]] that create an indelible mark called a [[sacramental character]]<ref>can. 1008, CIC 1983</ref> on the recipient's soul (the other two are [[baptism]]<ref>canon 845, CIC 1983</ref> and [[Confirmation (sacrament)|confirmation]]).<ref>can. 879, CIC 1983</ref>
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| − | The purpose of the Sacrament is to constitute a person as a minister within the Church.
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| − | Deacons are ministers of service, delegated to act in the name of the Church and therefore are able to witness marriages (the Sacrament of Matrimony is actually conferred by the couple on each other, with the deacon as witness), to baptize solemnly (any human being may baptize in an emergency but a deacon may do so on ordinary occasions with full ceremony), and to preach.
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| − | [[Image:Holy Orders Picture.jpg|thumb|right|200px|''Priestly Ordination'', a popular devotional depiction of ordination in the Roman Catholic Church from the [[1920s]].]]
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| − | Bishops receive the "Spirit of governance" and are the successors of the Apostles, as a group (that is, the "college" or body of bishops is the successor body to the college of apostles; in Roman Catholic theology, there is a belief that the apostle Peter had a role of leadership in the college of apostles, which the pope retains today among the bishops, but this is not accepted by the Orthodox churches; sacramentally the pope is a bishop). Bishops, since they have the "fullness of orders," therefore may confer all seven of the sacraments. Bishops are governors of the church to the point where a bishop in the Catholic Church, even if not given authority over a functional diocese, will be given a "titular" or honorary diocese (a diocese that no longer exists) as a gesture toward the notion that a bishop is ordained for leadership.
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| − | Priests, as cooperators of the bishops in their sacramental ministry, may confect all of the sacraments except Holy Orders, the sacrament of governance, itself.
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| − | Until [[1972]] the Catholic Church also had four [[minor orders]] leading up to the [[major orders|major order]] of [[subdeacon]], which were conferred on [[Seminary|seminarians]] ''[[pro forma]]'' before they became [[deacon]]s. The minor orders and the subdiaconate were '''not''' considered sacraments and, for simplicity, were suppressed under [[Pope Paul VI]] as part of the implementation of the [[Second Vatican Council]].<ref>Paul VI, moto proprio, ''Ministeria quedam'' Aug 15, 1972, in AAS, 64 (1972) p529</ref> They were, however, retained by the [[Eastern Catholic Churches]] and by [[Traditionalist Catholic]]s, including papally-approved [[Indult Catholic|Indult]] [[Communities Using the Tridentine Mass|priestly associations]]. Only the sacramental orders (deacon, priest, bishop) were retained in the [[Latin Rite]], but seminarians are "instituted" in "ministries" called acolyte and reader or lector, which replace the former "minor orders."
| + | Early in his ministry, Jesus Christ called some individuals, most of them fishermen to follow him and be his disciple, the Apostles. These were his assistants and close aids. They were given even the authority to perform miracles like casting out demons as Jesus did. Before living this world, Jesus send them to spread his gospel throughout the world, and to make new disciples (John 20:21) and be his representative on earth. As the Apostles started their mission, the need to get help and assistant and even to nurture successors arose. They needed to ordain new convert. The ordination ritual was characterized by the laying of hand on the appointee (Act 6:1-7). According to the theory of Apostolic succession, that ritual of appointing successors and assistant is the key element of the legitimacy of the Holy Order of each church. As a member of the Holy Order, you should have been ordained by someone who was himself ordained. That chain of ordination should link you back in time to one of the Apostle. Thus, there exist a historical and spiritual connection between each member of the Holy Order and the Apostles and the Christ. |
| | + | ==The effect of being ordained== |
| | + | Being ordained in the Holy order allow one to partake in the 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 holder such as archbishop and dean that is revoked immediately as the person leaves office. In Roman Catholic, it is the doctrine of the sacramental character. |
| | + | ==The hierarchy== |
| | + | Three levels are widely recognized as member of the Holy Order, 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 order'. He is followed in the hierarchy by the priest also known as presbyter. The lowest in the hierarchy who has a mission of servant is the Deacon. |
| | + | These three levels are also known as the major order in the Catholics and Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Church recognizes another group of order known as the minor order. It is composed of the Reader and the Subdeacon. |
| | + | ==Who can be ordained== |
| | + | The individual should have the vocation to serve for God’s honor and its own sanctification. Generally however, appointment in the Holy order is reserved for graduate of seminary. In the Roman Catholic Church, the graduate seminarian is ordained in his final year as deacon. They are also referred as “transitional deacon” to stress the fact that some of the Deacon will further look to be ordained as priest. In the Orthodox Church, before the entrance at the seminary, students are tonsured as Reader. They may later be ordained as Deacon or Subdeacon. In the Anglican Church, the graduate of the theological College is ordained as Deacon. |
| | + | It is important to note that as the leader and elder of the church, the Bishop, has the last say in any ordination and often will make further inquiries about the candidate life to ascertain its moral, intellectual and physical fitness. |
| | + | ==The Priest== |
| | + | Priest comes from the Latin sacerdos, meaning sacrifice. Priest is a sacrifice ministry and 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, priests were chosen among the tribe of Levi. They were the one in charge of the altar and the temple. However, the actual priest who was allowed to give sacrifice, instruct the people about Moses law was male descendant from Aaron. |
| | + | This priesthood in Israel continued till the destruction of Jerusalem, in 70 AC, almost 40 years after the crucifixion of Jesus. From that time, the position of priest disappeared from Israel and Judaism. |
| | + | For Apostle Paul, the Christians are the priest of the new Israel. This is extended by the Roman catholics who indicate that even though all Christian are priest, however the one who are ordained, in the position of successor of the Apostle and steward of the Church have a higher status of priesthood and thus receive special grace. |
| | + | Starting 3rd century , the term priest will be given to bishops who were the celebrant of the Eucharist. In the 4th century, the term will be given to presbyter because of their new capacity to officiate the Eucharistic. |
| | + | In the Catholic Church, priest as the cooperator of the Bishop may confer all the sacraments except the sacrament of Holy order itself. In the Orthodox Church, the Priest serve at the pleasure of the Bishop who may confer him authority to minister in his diocese and withdraw it at its pleasure. |
| | + | ==The Bishop== |
| | + | From the theory of Apostolic succession, the order of bishop has its root in apostolic time. Apostles appointed their successors as bishop through prayer and the laying of hands, giving them the apostolic authority and priority of rank. He has the fullness of order and can administer all of the sacrament/mysteries. They have the power to ordain Priest and Deacon. However the ordination of Bishop is usually made by three other Bishops and in some exceptional circumstances only one Bishop can ordain another 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 is officiating from is called cathedral. In the Orthodox Church, a Bishop governs over an autocephalous (independent) Church. |
| | + | A notion connected to the Bishop and characteristics to the Roman Catholics is the peterine doctrine. It is argued by the Roman Catholics that Peter died martyr in Rome as a Bishop. That is why they explained the importance of the Roman church in the early days. For them the succeeding Bishop of Rome is the official spiritual successor of Peter and thus 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. |
| | + | It is also interesting to note that while Bishops are appointed by the Pope in Roman Catholic Church, they are elected in the Orthodox and Anglican Communion. The Anglican Church of England however has his Bishop appointed by the Crown on the advice of the Prime Minister. |
| | + | ==The Deacon== |
| | + | From Christian tradition, the order of deacon started when the apostles ordained 7 men to wait on table (Act 6 1-7) |
| | + | They are the assistant to the bishop and minister of service. |
| | + | In the early days, this meant taking care of the property of the property of the diocese. This function was terminated during the middle age. |
| | + | In the Roman Catholic, the liturgical function of the deacon consisted in helping and serving the celebrant. |
| | + | The protestant have kept the deacon as a lay office with no sacramental or liturgical function. |
| | + | ==Holy orders and women== |
| | + | In some 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 to be an elder or deacon. 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 in 1994, 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. |
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| − | The [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] has two minor orders, those of [[Reader (liturgy)|reader]] and subdeacon. [[Altar server]]s are normally not invested with a special service, though the rank of "taper-bearer" has been incorporated into the rite of blessing for readers. Candidates for ordination receive the clerical [[tonsure]] prior to being ordained by the '''laying on of hands''' to these minor orders. There is a distinction between the laying on of hands for minor orders (''chirothesis'') and that for major orders (''chirotony''). Those in these lesser orders are not considered [[clergy]] in the same sense as those in major orders.
| + | ==Holy orders and Marriage== |
| | + | Historically the issue of marriage was a matter of personnel choice. As exemplified by the letter of ST Paul, that choice is personal. Celibacy is not a sacrament, and St Peter was counted to be doing his mission along with his wife. |
| | + | Roman Catholics, in the council Vatican II restated the position of the Church on the issue of marriage for the priest and bishop. Celibacy was not demanded by the early Church and “It permanently exhorts all those who have received the priesthood and marriage to persevere in their holy vocation “. However, the Roman Catholic Church commends ecclesiastical celibacy. This turned into a requirement since the early time of the Latin Church. It is that requirement of the early time that is still practiced by the Priest and Bishop. |
| | + | In the Orthodox Church, marriage is allowed to member of the Deaconate and Priest but before they are ordained. However the Bishop is required to live in celibacy. |
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| | + | ==See also== |
| | + | *[[Ecumenical Council]] |
| | + | *[[Papacy]] |
| | + | *[[Sacrament]] |
| | + | *[[Worship]] |
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| − | Other offices such as ''[[Pope]]'', ''[[Cardinal (Catholicism)|Cardinal]]'', ''[[Monsignor]]'', ''[[Archbishop]]'', ''[[Archimandrite]]'', ''[[Archpriest]]'', ''[[Protopresbyter]]'' etc., are not sacramental orders. These are simply offices and titles and thus, though they are usually imparted with a blessing of some sort, their reception is not an instance of the sacrament of holy orders.
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| − | ===Lutheranism=== | + | ==References== |
| | + | *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 |
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| | + | ==External links== |
| | + | *[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] |
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| − | One of the central differences between the Lutheran churches on the one hand and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches on the other has been their understanding of the Eucharist. Lutheran theology does not hold that the Eucharist is a "sacrifice," though it holds a theology of a "real physical, not just spiritual, presence" of Christ in Communion. This difference over the understanding of the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist is an essential component of the differentiation between the denominations of their theology of Holy Orders.
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| − | ===Process and sequence===
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| − | [[Image:Priestly ordination.jpg|thumb|260px|left|At priestly ordination the [[bishop]] imposes hands upon the [[deacon]] who is by that matter and the form of the consecratory [[Preface (Liturgy)|preface]] ordained to the [[priesthood]] This is a photograph of the pre-Vatican II rite.]]
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| − | The arrangement given above, "bishops, priests, and deacons" is in the reverse order of ordination. For Catholics, it is typically in the last year of [[seminary]] training that a man will be ordained to the diaconate, called by Catholics in recent times the "[[transitional diaconate]]" to distinguish men bound for priesthood from those who have entered the "[[permanent diaconate]]" and do not intend to seek further ordination. Deacons, whether transitional or permanent, are licensed to preach sermons (under certain circumstances a permanent deacon may not receive faculties to preach), to perform [[baptism]]s, and to witness [[Catholic marriage]]s, but to perform no other sacraments. They assist at the [[Eucharist]] or the [[mass (liturgy)|Mass]], but are not able to consecrate the bread and wine.
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| − | After six months or more as a transitional deacon a man will be ordained to the priesthood. Priests are able to preach, perform baptisms, confirm, witness marriages, hear confessions and give absolutions, anoint the sick, and celebrate the [[Eucharist]] or the Mass.
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| − | Orthodox seminarians are typically tonsured as readers before entering seminary, and may later be made subdeacons or deacons; customs vary between seminaries and between Orthodox jurisdictions. Orthodoxy has two types of clergy: married and monastic. Orthodox clergy must either marry or be tonsured as monks prior to ordination to the diaconate (according to some jurisdictions, before the subdiaconate), though some bishops may make [[economia]] (dispensation) to allow a candidate to marry after his ordination to the diaconate. But once a man has been ordained a priest he may not marry. If his wife dies, he may not remarry. Orthodox bishops are taken from among the monks.
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| − | For Anglicans, a person is ordained a [[deacon]] once they have completed their training at a theological college. They then typically serve as a [[curate]] and may be ordained as a [[priest]], at the discretion of the bishop, following a period of time. Other deacons may choose to remain in this order. Anglican deacons can preach sermons, perform [[baptism]]s and conduct funerals, but, unlike priests, cannot conduct [[marriage]]s or celebrate the [[Eucharist]]. In most branches of the Anglican church, women can be ordained as priests, and in some, can be ordained a [[bishop]].
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| − | [[Bishop]]s are chosen from among the priests in churches that adhere to Catholic usage.
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| − | In the Roman Catholic church, bishops, like priests, are celibate and thus unmarried; further, a bishop is said to possess the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders, empowering him to ordain deacons, priests, and- with papal consent-other bishops. If a bishop, especially one acting as an ordinary- a head of a diocese or archdiocese- is to be ordained, three bishops must usually co-consecrate him with one bishop, usually an archbishop or the bishop of the place, being the chief consecrating prelate.
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| − | Among Eastern Rite Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, which permit married priests, bishops must either be unmarried or agree to abstain from contact with their wives. It is a common misconception that all such bishops come from [[religious orders]]; while this is generally true, it is not an absolute rule. In the case of both Catholics- (Western and) Eastern Catholic, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox, they are usually leaders of territorial units called [[diocese]]s (or its equivalent in the east, an [[eparchy]]). Only bishops can validly administer the sacrament of holy orders.
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| − | [[Image:Russian Orthodox Episcopal Ordination.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Patriarch Alexius II]] of Moscow and All Russia conferring the Holy Order of bishop upon a Russian Orthodox [[priest]].]]
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| − | ===Recognition of other churches' orders===
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| − | There is mutual recognition of the validity of holy orders among the Eastern Orthodox, Polish National, Oriental Orthodox, and Old Catholic churches and the Assyrian Church of the East as they have maintained the [[apostolic succession]] of bishops, i.e., their bishops claim to be in a line of succession dating back to the [[Twelve apostles|Apostles]], just as Catholic and Anglican bishops do. Consequently, if a priest of these Churches converts to another, he is generally received as a priest without need for re-ordination. Similarly the Roman Catholic Church unconditionally recognizes the validity of ordinations in the aforementioned Eastern churches. Eastern Orthodox bishops can, and frequently do, grant recognition to the holy orders of converts who were earlier ordained in the Catholic Church (though there is much debate in Eastern Orthodoxy about this); that is part of the policy called [[Economy (Eastern Orthodoxy)|church economy]].
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| − | [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] churches, unlike Protestant churches, claim to maintain apostolic succession.<ref>[http://www.ucl.ac.uk/~ucgbmxd/patriarc.htm The Ecumenical Patriarch on Anglican Orders<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> The succession of Anglican bishops is however, not universally recognized. The Roman Catholic Church judged Anglican orders invalid when [[Pope Leo XIII]] in 1896, wrote in ''[[Apostolicae Curae]]'' that Anglican orders lack validity because the rite by which priests were ordained was not correctly performed from [[1547]] to [[1553]] and from [[1558]] to the time of Archbishop [[William Laud]], thus causing a break of continuity in apostolic succession. [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]] bishops have, on occasion, granted "economy" when Anglican priests convert to Orthodoxy. Changes in the Anglican Ordinal since King [[Edward VI of England|Edward VI]], and a fuller appreciation of the pre-[[Reformation]] ordinals suggest that the correctness of the enduring dismissal of Anglican Orders may be questioned. In order to reduce doubt concerning Anglican apostolic succession, since the [[1930]] [[Bonn agreement (religion)|Bonn agreement]] many Anglican bishops have been consecrated by bishops of the [[Old Catholic]] Church whose holy orders are recognised by the [[Holy See]].
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| − | Neither Roman Catholics nor Anglicans recognize the validity of ordinations of ministers in [[Protestant]] churches that do not maintain the apostolic succession. Rome also does not recognize the apostolic succession of ([[high church]]) Lutheran Protestant denominations.
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| − | Anglicans accept the ordinations of those denominations in full communion with the Anglican Communion such as some [[Lutheran]] denominations. They may preside at services requiring a priest if one is not available.
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| − | The [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (Mormons) accepts the legal authority of clergy to perform marriages but does not recognize any other sacraments performed by ministers not ordained to the Latter-day Saint priesthood. Although the Latter-day Saints, who developed from private revelations and Protestantism, do claim a doctrine of a certain spiritual apostolic succession, it is significantly different from that claimed by Catholics and is not recognized by the [[Holy See]].
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| − | ===Marriage and holy orders===
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| − | {{see also|Clerical celibacy|Clerical celibacy (Catholic Church)}}
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| − | The rules discussed in this section are not considered to be among the infallible dogmas of the Catholic Church, but are mutable rules of discipline. See [[clerical celibacy]] for a more detailed discussion.
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| − | Married men may be ordained to the diaconate as Permanent Deacons, but in the [[Latin Rite]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] generally may not be ordained to the priesthood. In the [[Eastern Catholic Churches]] and in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] married deacons may be ordained priests, but may not become bishops. Bishops in the Eastern Rites and the Eastern Orthodox churches are almost always drawn from among [[Monasticism|monks]], who have taken a vow of celibacy. They may be widowers, though; it is not required of them never to have been married.
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| − | In some cases widowed permanent deacons have been ordained to the priesthood. There have been some situations in which men previously married and ordained to the priesthood in an [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] church or in a [[Lutheran]] Protestant church have been ordained to the Catholic priesthood - never [[sub conditione]] (conditionally), as there is no recognised true priesthood in the Protestant denominations - and allowed to function much as an Eastern Rite priest but in a Latin Rite setting; however, this may only happen with the approval of the priest's Bishop and a special permission by the Pope.
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| − | Anglican clergy may be married and may marry after ordination.
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| − | == Other concepts of ordination ==
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| − | Ordination ritual and procedures vary by denomination. Different churches and denominations specify more or less rigorous requirements for entering into office, and while the process of ordination is likewise given more or less ceremonial pomp depending on the group. Many Protestants still communicate authority and ordain to office by having the existing overseers physically lay hands on the candidates for office over them.
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| − | === Methodist churches ===
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| − | The American [[Methodist]] model an is episcopal system loosely based Anglican model and was first devised under the leadership of Bishops [[Thomas Coke (Methodist)|Thomas Coke]] and [[Francis Asbury]] of the [[Methodist Episcopal Church]] in the late 18th century. In this approach, an [[Elder (religious)|elder]] (or "presbyter") is ordained to word (preaching and teaching), sacrament (administering Baptism and the Lord's Supper), order (administering the life of the church and, in the case of bishops, ordaining others for mission and ministry), and service; a [[deacon]] is someone who is ordained to word and service.
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| − | In the [[United Methodist Church]], for instance, seminary graduates are examined and approved by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and then the Clergy Session, at which time they are accepted as "probationary members of the conference" and then commissioned by the resident Bishop to full time ministry. This is referred to as receiving "deacon's orders", and probationary ministers hold the title of deacon. (Before 1996, the graduate was ordained as a transitional deacon at this point, a provisional role which has since been done away with; the order of deacon is now a separate and distinct clergy office in the United Methodist Church.) After serving the probationary period consisting of a minimum of two years, the probationer is then examined again and either continued on probation, discontinued altogether, or approved for ordination. Upon final approval by the Clergy Session of the Conference, the probationer becomes a full member of the Conference and is then ordained as an elder or deacon by the resident Bishop. This commonly known as receiving "elder's orders;" and probationer is known as an elder minister.
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| − | At the present time, the British Methodist Conference does not have bishops but just the two distinct orders of presbyter and deacon.
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| − | === Presbyterian churches ===<!-- This section is linked from [[Presbyterian polity]] —>
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| − | [[Presbyterian]] churches, following their [[Scotland|Scottish]] forebears, reject the traditions surrounding overseers and instead identify the offices of bishop (''episkopos'' in Greek) and elder (''presbuteros'' in Greek, from which the term "presbyterian" comes) because the two terms seem to be used interchangeably in the [[Bible]] (compare [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+1.5-9 Titus 1.5-9] and [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Tim+3.2-7 I Tim. 3.2-7]). Their form of [[Ecclesiastical polity|church governance]] is known as [[presbyterian polity]]. While there is an increasing authority with each level of gathering of elders ('Session' over a congregation or parish, then presbytery, then possibly a synod, then the General Assembly), there is no hierarchy of elders, and each elder has an equal vote at the court on which they stand.
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| − | Elders are usually chosen at their local level, either elected by the congregation and approved by the Session, or appointed directly by the Session. Some churches place limits on the term that the elders serve, while others ordain elders for life.
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| − | Presbyterians also ordain (by laying on of hands) ministers of Word and Sacrament (sometimes known as 'teaching elders'). These ministers are regarded simply as Presbyters ordained to a different function, but in practice provide the leadership for local Session.
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| − | Some Presbyterians identify those appointed (by the laying on of hands) to serve in practical ways ([http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+6.1-7 Acts 6.1-7]) as deacons (''diakonos'' in Greek, meaning "servant"). In many congregations, a group of men or women is thus set aside to deal with matters such as congregational fabric and finance, releasing elders for more 'spiritual' work. These persons may be known as 'deacons', 'board members' or 'managers', depending on the local tradition. Unlike elders and minister, they are not usually 'ordained', and are often elected by the congregation for a set period of time.
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| − | Other Presbyterians have used an 'order of deacons' as full-time servants of the wider Church - but who, unlike ministers, do not administer sacraments or routinely preach. The [[Church of Scotland]] has recently begun ordaining deacons to this role.
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| − | Unlike the Episcopalian schemes, but similar to the United Methodist scheme described above, the two Presbyterian offices are different in ''kind'' rather than in ''degree'' since one need not be a deacon before becoming an elder. Since there is no hierarchy, the two offices do not make up an "order" in the technical sense, but the terminology of Holy Orders is sometimes still developed.
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| − | === Congregationalist churches ===
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| − | [[Congregationalist church governance|Congregationalist]] churches implement different schemes, but the officers usually have less authority than in the presbyterian or episcopalian forms. Some ordain only ministers and rotate members on an advisory board (sometimes called a board of elders or a board of deacons). Because the positions are by comparison less powerful, there is usually less rigor or fanfare in how officers are ordained.
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| − | ===Latter Day Saint Movement===
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| − | ==== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ====
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| − | {{Main|Priesthood (LDS)}}
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| − | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a relatively open priesthood, ordaining nearly all adult males and boys of the age of twelve and older. Latter-day Saint priesthood consists of two orders: the Melchizedek and Aaronic. The offices, or ranks, of the Melchizedek order (in roughly descending order) include apostle, seventy, patriarch, high priest, and elder. The offices of the Aaronic order are bishop, priest, teacher, and deacon. The manner of ordination consists of the laying on of hands by one or more men holding at least the office being conferred while one acts as voice in conferring the priesthood and/or office and usually pronounces a blessing upon the recipient. Teachers and deacons do not have the authority to ordain others to the priesthood. All church members are authorized to teach and preach regardless of priesthood ordination so long as they maintain good standing within the church. The church does not use the term "holy orders."
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| − | ====Community of Christ====
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| − | {{Main|Priesthood (Community of Christ)}}
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| − |
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| − | Community of Christ has a largely volunteer priesthood, and all members of the priesthood are free to marry (as traditionally defined by the Christian community). The priesthood is divided into two orders, the Order of Aaron, and the Order of Melchisedec (commonly known as the Aaronic priesthood or Aaronic Order; and the Melchisedec priesthood or Melchisedec Order). The Aaronic order is the “lesser priesthood” and the Melchisedec order is the “greater priesthood”. The Aaronic order consists of the offices of deacon, teacher and priest. The Melchisedec Order consists of the offices of elder (including the specialized office of seventy) and high priest (including the specialized offices of evangelist, bishop, apostle, & prophet). The Melchisedec priesthood is also commonly termed the “high priesthood”, but as noted, not all members of this priesthood are actually high priests. Paid ministers include “appointees” and the general officers of the church, which include some specialized priesthood offices (such as the office of president, reserved for the three top members of the church leadership team). As of 1984, women have been eligible for priesthood, which is conferred through the sacrament of ordination, by virtue of the laying-on-of-hands. While there is technically no age requirement for any office of priesthood, there is no automatic ordination or progression as in the LDS Church. Young people are occasionally ordained as deacon, and sometimes teacher or priest, but generally most priesthood members are called following completion of post secondary school education. Priesthood offices are not generally termed “orders of priesthood”, but certain offices constitute orders. For example, all bishops belong to the Order of Bishops. All evangelists belong to the Order of Evangelists. Other offices belong to quorums (seventies and high priests) or councils (apostles). The three presidents of the church form the First Presidency, which is sometimes termed council, and other times termed quorum. Deacons, teachers, priests and elders do not belong to permanent bodies, but may organize local quorums for all members of a given office within a particular city or region. In March 2007 a woman was ordained for the first time to the office of president.
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| − |
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| − | === Non-traditional organizations ===
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| − | The non-authoritarian religious denominations, such as the [[Universal Life Church]], prefer to empower their clergy by minimizing the impediments to those that feel the calling to make a spiritual connection to the cosmos. Reducing the barriers to performing religious ceremonies these denominations encourage those who within the general population to realize spiritual experience. By enabling friends or relatives to perform ceremonies like marriages, organizations that offer online ordination demystify and integrate religious understanding into lives of the otherwise nonreligious public.
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| − | Other unaffiliated religious organizations, such as Rose Ministries<ref>[http://roseministries.org/]Rose Ministries</ref>, feel that everyone has the right to the distinction of being ordained who show a willingness to pursue and share the truth. Their ordination process is one way of accommodating this belief.
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| − | Still others, such as Spiritual Humanism<ref>[ http://www.spiritualhumanism.org/]Spiritual Humanism</ref>, believe that religion must be able to adapt to new knowledge about the universe without rejecting the deep spiritual connections to human history and the natural world that we are a part of, and that all humans have an inalienable right and duty to practice their own religious traditions.
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| − | == Ordination of women ==
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| − | {{Main|Ordination of women}}
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| − |
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| − | The Roman Catholic Church does not ordain women to any of the orders and has officially declared that it does not have authority to ordain women as priests or bishops. Ordaining women as deacons, however, appears to remain a possibility, but not in any sacramental sense of the diaconate. Many Orthodox, Old Catholic, Anglican and Protestant churches ordain women, but in many cases, only to the office of deacon or deaconess. Whether the Catholic Church historically ordained, or simply "set apart", women as deaconesses is a matter of theological and historical investigation. Various branches of the Orthodox churches, including the Greek Orthodox, currently ordain woman as deaconesses. Some churches are internally divided on whether it is scripturally permissible to ordain women. When one considers the relative size of the churches (1.1 billion Roman Catholics, 300 million Orthodox, 590 million Anglicans and Protestants), it is a minority of Christian churches that ordain women. Protestants constitute about 27 percent of Christians worldwide and most which do ordain women have only done so within the past century.
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| − |
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| − | In some 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. Similarly, in some Protestant denominations, women may serve as assistant pastors but not as pastors in charge of congregations. In some denominations women can be ordained to be an [[Elder (religious)|elder]] or [[deacon]]. 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.
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| − | 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]] in 1994, 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.
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| − | == Ordination of homosexuals ==
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| − | {{CAH}}
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| − | :''See also [[Homosexuality in the Roman Catholic priesthood]] and [[Homosexuality and Christianity]]''
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| − | The [[Metropolitan Community Church|Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches]] is the most prominent [[United States of America|American]] denomination with an '''official''' stance allowing non-celibate [[homosexuality|gays and lesbians]] to be ordained. Smaller denominations, like the [[Liberal Catholic Church]], the [[Swedenborgian Church of North America]] and the [[Apostolic Johannite Church]] also do so. The [[United Church of Christ]], because of its decentralized model, allows such ordinations out of default since there are no official denomination-wide stances on [[doctrine]]. In the [[Episcopal Church USA]] bishops in some dioceses ordain non-celibate gays and lesbians, while those in others do not; the ordination of homosexuals is highly controversial in the wider [[Anglican Communion]]. Most of the mainline Protestant denominations, such as the [[Presbyterian Church USA]], the [[Moravian Church]], and the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America|Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA)]], are openly discussing the issue. The [[United Church of Canada]] and the [[Uniting Church in Australia]] already welcome gays and lesbians in permanent partnerships in the ordained ministry. The [[United Methodist Church]] has also been discussing the issue for many years, but its official position continues to deny ordination to "Self-Avowed Practicing Homosexuals." In theory, a homosexual who is celibate is a fit candidate for ordination within the [[United Methodist Church]], but in practice this rarely happens.
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| − | Controversy associated with the consecration of [[Gene Robinson]] to the order of [[bishop]] in the [[Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire]], and the planned consecration of [[Jeffrey John]] (who was to be ordained [[Bishop of Reading]]) in the [[Church of England]], led to the formation of the Eames Commission by the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], spiritual head of the [[Anglican Communion]]. Its findings, published as the [[Windsor Report]], recommended that the consecration of individuals in same-sex relationships as bishops cease, although it conspicuosly avoided discussing gays and lesbians ordered as priests and deacons. In response, the Episcopal Church placed a moratorium on confirming the consecrations of ''all'' bishops.
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| − | The ordination of gays and lesbians is not a new thing, but their open ordination has come to light. In the past, ordinands who were gay or lesbian did not admit their sexuality, and were ordained. Upon the ordination of Gene Robinson, Episcopal Bishop [[J. Neil Alexander]] of the [[Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta|Diocese of Atlanta]] said he voted for the ordination because Robinson was open about his sexuality and honest, whereas in the past known gay clergy were ordained to the episcopate only because they lied about it.
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| − | In many churches this is a very volatile issue, as is the ordination of women in many churches. It is not likely that a resolution will be swift. Within mainline churches the [[Confessing Movement]] has been a vehicle for the opposition to the ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians.
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| − | The [[Roman Catholic Church]] allows the ordination of men who have, in the past, experienced [[Homosexuality|same sex attraction]], but only on the condition that they have lived without engaging in homosexual culture or acts for several years and can be psychologically verfied as having their same-sex attraction under control.<ref>[http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20051104_istruzione_en.html Full text of the 2005 Vatican document on ordaining homosexuals into the priesthood]</ref> Previously ordination of these homosexually inclined males was strictly forbidden, even though this discipline was often not observed by local bishops after the [[1960s]].
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| − | [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] only ordains men to the [[Priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|priesthood]] that have covenanted [[Law of chastity|not to have sex]] with anyone besides their wife. Some gay men have chosen to remain celibate, while others have chosen to [[Homosexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints#Marriage for homosexuals|get married]].<ref>Moore, Carrie A. [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660207378,00.html Gay LDS men detail challenges] March 30, 2007. Deseret Morning News</ref> However, a man must be married in order to become a [[Bishop (Latter Day Saints)|bishop]], regardless of orientation.<ref> [http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=27f71f1dd189f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=726511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD Interview with Elder Oaks and Wickman]</ref> Transgendered persons who were born men may only receive the priesthood if they have not had, and are not planning to have an operation.(1999 Church handbook.) Women are not ordained to the priesthood.
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| − |
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| − | ==Footnotes==
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| − | {{reflist}}
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| − |
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| − | == Print resources ==
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| − | * Campbell, Dennis. ''Yoke of Obedience'', 1988. ISBN 0-687-46660-1
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| − | * [[Thomas Oden|Oden, Thomas]]. ''Pastoral Theology: Essentials of Ministry'', 1983. ISBN 0-06-066353-7
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| − | * [[William Willimon|Willimon, William]]. ''Calling & Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life'', 2000. ISBN 0-687-09033-4
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| − | * [[William Willimon|Willimon, William]]. ''Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry'', 2002. ISBN 0-687-04532-0
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| − | == External links ==
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| − | * [http://www.catholic-vocations.com Old Catholic Vocations Website]
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| − | * [http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Sacraments/HolyOrders.asp Priesthood - Catholic Sacrament of Holy Orders - Ordination]
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| − | * [http://www.gbhem.org/ResourceLibrary/stepord.pdf The Steps to Orders in The United Methodist Church] (PDF)
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| − | * [http://www.revneal.org/Writings/eldersorders.html Elder's Orders in the UMC: The Disciplinary Questions and Sample Answers] by Gregory S. Neal
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| | | | |
| | + | <!-- |
| | {{Catholicism}} | | {{Catholicism}} |
| | + | {{portal|Christianity}} |
| | + | —> |
| | | | |
| − | ==Footnotes== | + | ==Gallery==<gallery> |
| − | {{reflist}}
| + | Image:Deacon Ordination.jpg|Catholic deacon candidates prostrate before the altar of the Cathedral of [[Our Lady of the Angels]] in city of Los Angeles during a 2004 diaconate ordination liturgy |
| − | | + | Image:Holy Orders Picture.jpg|''Priestly Ordination'', a popular devotional depiction of ordination in the Roman Catholic Church from the [[1920s]]. |
| − | == Print resources ==
| + | Image:Priestly ordination.jpg|At priestly ordination the [[bishop]] imposes hands upon the [[deacon]] who is by that matter and the form of the consecratory [[Preface (Liturgy)|preface]] ordained to the [[priesthood]] This is a photograph of the pre-Vatican II rite. |
| − | * Campbell, Dennis. ''Yoke of Obedience'', 1988. ISBN 0-687-46660-1
| + | Image:Russian Orthodox Episcopal Ordination.jpg|[[Patriarch Alexius II]] of Moscow and All Russia conferring the Holy Order of bishop upon a Russian Orthodox [[priest]]. |
| − | * [[Thomas Oden|Oden, Thomas]]. ''Pastoral Theology: Essentials of Ministry'', 1983. ISBN 0-06-066353-7
| + | </gallery> |
| − | * [[William Willimon|Willimon, William]]. ''Calling & Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life'', 2000. ISBN 0-687-09033-4
| |
| − | * [[William Willimon|Willimon, William]]. ''Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry'', 2002. ISBN 0-687-04532-0
| |
| − | == External links ==
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| − | | |
| − | * [http://www.catholic-vocations.com Old Catholic Vocations Website] - Retrieved October 12, 2007.
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| − | * [http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Sacraments/HolyOrders.asp Priesthood - Catholic Sacrament of Holy Orders - Ordination] - Retrieved October 12, 2007.
| |
| − | * [http://www.gbhem.org/ResourceLibrary/stepord.pdf The Steps to Orders in The United Methodist Church] - Retrieved October 12, 2007.
| |
| − | * [http://www.revneal.org/Writings/eldersorders.html Elder's Orders in the UMC: The Disciplinary Questions and Sample Answers] - Retrieved October 12, 2007.
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| − | | |
| | [[Category:philosophy and religion]] | | [[Category:philosophy and religion]] |
| | [[Category:religion]] | | [[Category:religion]] |
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| | {{credits|216007967}} | | {{credits|216007967}} |
The term Holy Orders from the Latin Ordo (order) and the word Holy referring to the church. The order in Ordo refers historically to an established civil body or corporation with a hierarchy. From that definition, the term Holy order refers to a group with a hierarchy set apart for Ministry in the church. In this article however, the term is referring more specifically to the Holy Order as a Holy Sacrament/Mystery instituted by Jesus Christ as believed by the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church.
Origin
He ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. Mark 3:14-15
Early in his ministry, Jesus Christ called some individuals, most of them fishermen to follow him and be his disciple, the Apostles. These were his assistants and close aids. They were given even the authority to perform miracles like casting out demons as Jesus did. Before living this world, Jesus send them to spread his gospel throughout the world, and to make new disciples (John 20:21) and be his representative on earth. As the Apostles started their mission, the need to get help and assistant and even to nurture successors arose. They needed to ordain new convert. The ordination ritual was characterized by the laying of hand on the appointee (Act 6:1-7). According to the theory of Apostolic succession, that ritual of appointing successors and assistant is the key element of the legitimacy of the Holy Order of each church. As a member of the Holy Order, you should have been ordained by someone who was himself ordained. That chain of ordination should link you back in time to one of the Apostle. Thus, there exist a historical and spiritual connection between each member of the Holy Order and the Apostles and the Christ.
The effect of being ordained
Being ordained in the Holy order allow one to partake in the 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 holder such as archbishop and dean that is revoked immediately as the person leaves office. In Roman Catholic, it is the doctrine of the sacramental character.
The hierarchy
Three levels are widely recognized as member of the Holy Order, 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 order'. He is followed in the hierarchy by the priest also known as presbyter. The lowest in the hierarchy who has a mission of servant is the Deacon.
These three levels are also known as the major order in the Catholics and Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Church recognizes another group of order known as the minor order. It is composed of the Reader and the Subdeacon.
Who can be ordained
The individual should have the vocation to serve for God’s honor and its own sanctification. Generally however, appointment in the Holy order is reserved for graduate of seminary. In the Roman Catholic Church, the graduate seminarian is ordained in his final year as deacon. They are also referred as “transitional deacon” to stress the fact that some of the Deacon will further look to be ordained as priest. In the Orthodox Church, before the entrance at the seminary, students are tonsured as Reader. They may later be ordained as Deacon or Subdeacon. In the Anglican Church, the graduate of the theological College is ordained as Deacon.
It is important to note that as the leader and elder of the church, the Bishop, has the last say in any ordination and often will make further inquiries about the candidate life to ascertain its moral, intellectual and physical fitness.
The Priest
Priest comes from the Latin sacerdos, meaning sacrifice. Priest is a sacrifice ministry and 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, priests were chosen among the tribe of Levi. They were the one in charge of the altar and the temple. However, the actual priest who was allowed to give sacrifice, instruct the people about Moses law was male descendant from Aaron.
This priesthood in Israel continued till the destruction of Jerusalem, in 70 AC, almost 40 years after the crucifixion of Jesus. From that time, the position of priest disappeared from Israel and Judaism.
For Apostle Paul, the Christians are the priest of the new Israel. This is extended by the Roman catholics who indicate that even though all Christian are priest, however the one who are ordained, in the position of successor of the Apostle and steward of the Church have a higher status of priesthood and thus receive special grace.
Starting 3rd century , the term priest will be given to bishops who were the celebrant of the Eucharist. In the 4th century, the term will be given to presbyter because of their new capacity to officiate the Eucharistic.
In the Catholic Church, priest as the cooperator of the Bishop may confer all the sacraments except the sacrament of Holy order itself. In the Orthodox Church, the Priest serve at the pleasure of the Bishop who may confer him authority to minister in his diocese and withdraw it at its pleasure.
The Bishop
From the theory of Apostolic succession, the order of bishop has its root in apostolic time. Apostles appointed their successors as bishop through prayer and the laying of hands, giving them the apostolic authority and priority of rank. He has the fullness of order and can administer all of the sacrament/mysteries. They have the power to ordain Priest and Deacon. However the ordination of Bishop is usually made by three other Bishops and in some exceptional circumstances only one Bishop can ordain another 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 is officiating from is called cathedral. In the Orthodox Church, a Bishop governs over an autocephalous (independent) Church.
A notion connected to the Bishop and characteristics to the Roman Catholics is the peterine doctrine. It is argued by the Roman Catholics that Peter died martyr in Rome as a Bishop. That is why they explained the importance of the Roman church in the early days. For them the succeeding Bishop of Rome is the official spiritual successor of Peter and thus 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.
It is also interesting to note that while Bishops are appointed by the Pope in Roman Catholic Church, they are elected in the Orthodox and Anglican Communion. The Anglican Church of England however has his Bishop appointed by the Crown on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The Deacon
From Christian tradition, the order of deacon started when the apostles ordained 7 men to wait on table (Act 6 1-7)
They are the assistant to the bishop and minister of service.
In the early days, this meant taking care of the property of the property of the diocese. This function was terminated during the middle age.
In the Roman Catholic, the liturgical function of the deacon consisted in helping and serving the celebrant.
The protestant have kept the deacon as a lay office with no sacramental or liturgical function.
Holy orders and women
In some 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 to be an elder or deacon. 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 in 1994, 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 letter of ST Paul, that choice is personal. Celibacy is not a sacrament, and St Peter was counted to be doing his mission along with his wife.
Roman Catholics, in the council Vatican II restated the position of the Church on the issue of marriage for the priest and bishop. Celibacy was not demanded by the early Church and “It permanently exhorts all those who have received the priesthood and marriage to persevere in their holy vocation “. However, the Roman Catholic Church commends ecclesiastical celibacy. This turned into a requirement since the early time of the Latin Church. It is that requirement of the early time that is still practiced by the Priest and Bishop.
In the Orthodox Church, marriage is allowed to member of the Deaconate and Priest but before they are ordained. However the Bishop is required to live in celibacy.
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
External links
==Gallery==
Catholic deacon candidates prostrate before the altar of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in city of Los Angeles during a 2004 diaconate ordination liturgy
Priestly Ordination, a popular devotional depiction of ordination in the Roman Catholic Church from the 1920s.
At priestly ordination the bishop imposes hands upon the deacon who is by that matter and the form of the consecratory preface ordained to the priesthood This is a photograph of the pre-Vatican II rite.
Russian Orthodox Episcopal Ordination.jpg
Patriarch Alexius II of Moscow and All Russia conferring the Holy Order of bishop upon a Russian Orthodox priest.
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