[soc.religion.christian] Help Wanted: Apostolic Succession

blosser@lrc.uucp (12/19/90)

I am currently engaged in a brief study of the issue of Protestant and
Catholic interpretations of apostolic succession.  As some of you may
know, a major difference is that most Protestant groups, if they have
any view on the matter at all, interpret apostolic succession as applying
only to essential doctrine, not to ministry.  Therefore it becomes by and
large a matter of indifference as to whether there is an actual unbroken
succession of ministerial ordination.  The "important" issue is entirely
internalized and spiritualized.  The Anglican tradition, unlike most other
Protestant traditions, follows the Catholic tradition in interpreting
apostolic succession as applying not only to doctrine but to ministry.
The matter is not entirely "spiritual" or "internal" as it is in most
Protestant groups.  The unbroken succession of sacramental ordination
is regarded as something that matters and makes a difference.

If you know of any helpful books or articles devoted to this issue, I
would very much appreciate your bringing them to my attention.  I can
be contacted either by e-mail or regular mail at the following:
			P. Blosser
			Box 7211 - LRC
			Hickory, NC 28603