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Meet your Bishops
The role of a Bishop
In the first days of Christianity over 2000 years ago, the twelve
apostles (Jesus' disciples) were the sole directors and administrators
of the Church. They appointed seven 'deacons' to help with practical
tasks, and later the work of 'presbyters', or 'priests' began to emerge.
They were modelled on the elders of the Jewish synagogues, and were
responsible for administration, government as well as teaching and
worship in the local church. The word 'bishop' and 'presbyter' were
interchangeable. Historians suggest that the 'chairman' of the 'college'
of presbyters became known as bishop (which can mean 'overseer').
These days in the Church of England the bishop is understood to
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lead the Church's mission |
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teach the Christian faith -
through preaching, writing, in synods and councils and in the
media |
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ordain men and women for the
ministry of deacon and priest |
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confirm new Christians, young
and older |
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administer Church affairs,
in partnership with others |
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meet with fellow bishops, nationally
and internationally |
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be involved in the secular
world, having links with community leaders in industry, the
public sector and voluntary service (27 senior bishops are members
of the House of Lords) |
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minister to the clergy - they
are licensed under the authority of the bishop and are answerable
to him |
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model effective Christian leadership
and lifestyle for clergy and lay people |
So the Bishop plays a key role resourcing and inspiring the whole
Church, particularly the clergy, who in turn lead and care for the
lay people, who are daily in the front line of Christian mission -
in their homes, schools, communities and workplaces.
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