THE HIERARCHY OF THE CHURCH:

APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY, PAPAL PRIMACY, AND THE OFFICE OF BISHOPS

Our reading of Lumen gentium continues with Chapter Three, which examines the Church’s hierarchy, papal primacy, and the office of bishops.

Christ entrusted His Church to Peter and the Apostles, giving them authority to teach, sanctify, and govern in His name. This authority carries a sacred responsibility: to guard the faith, protect the flock, and lead souls to salvation.

In the attached reading, we examine this chapter alongside Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Church’s perennial teaching. We give particular attention to collegiality, the relationship between the Pope and the bishops, and the distinctions needed to understand the Church’s teaching authority.

Please set aside time to read and reflect on the document. As we study, let us pray for the Pope, our bishops, and our priests, that they may fulfill their sacred duties with courage, clarity, and fidelity to Our Lord. 

In Christ,

The Pillars of Faith Team