Saturday, 12 April 2008

Bishops or not Bishops?

My reading of New Testament shows me that there are two differing church structures detailed: The Presbyterian and the Episcopalian.
The Episcopalian has a structure with bishops The Presbyterian has a structure more of a commune.

It is difficult to find a biblical justification for a "bishop" to be other than male.However, with the Presbyterian model the leaders are appointed by the local assembly and it is therefore a local decision, they do not have bishops and can thence be more gender inclusive.

Where I feel things get difficult is that the bible was originally translated by an Episcopal church (RC) who were "biased" towards their own traditions.Some translators are more careful to use the more the word "overseer".And some are careful not to try to mix the two structures.

So I think that if one want to be governed in church by a male hierarchy then you can choose from the variety of Episcopalians.

However, is you wish to make your own choices then there is an even wider selection based on the Presbyterian model.

We all have a choice.

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