Relationship Between Priests And Bishops

[relientfoot08]

Hey everyone,

May Christ's love reign in our hearts!

I have this in the Transmundane Lane phorum but I thought this one may be better. Anywho...

Ok, so I have and idea of why priests are to be obedient to the bishops but I feel I need something deeper.

Here is my view:
The reason the priests are obedient to the bishops is because it shows the direct mediation of the church to the world. (i.e. vatican writes enstates a new document on the procession of the Mass. The Bishops recieve this notice that the document is to take affect in all the dioceses and the priests carry it out in their parishes.)

I am looking for help with Ecclesiology too. (not sure what the term means)

I hope you understand what I am looking for. lol.But if someone could give me more substance. I feel that there is more to it than just that. Thanks,

God is Love,
RB

[cappie]

The Code of Canon Law states:

CHAPTER III : THE OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS OF CLERICS

Can. 273 Clerics have a special obligation to show reverence and obedience to the Supreme Pontiff and to their own Ordinary.

This canon deals then with the obligation of obedience. A cleric is bound not just by obedience to his own bishop (Ordinary) but also to the Pope (Supreme Pontiff) the successor of Peter, who is indeed the Ordinary of the entire Church, cfr can 134#1. The relationship which should exist between clreics and their Bishop was described in more detail by Vatican II in PRESBYTERORUM ORDINIS #7:

"All priests, in union with bishops, so share in one and the same priesthood and ministry of Christ that the very unity of their consecration and mission requires their hierarchical communion with the order of bishops.................

Priests, never losing sight of the fullness of the priesthood which the bishops enjoy, must respect in them the authority of Christ, the Supreme Shepherd. They must therefore stand by their bishops in sincere charity and obedience. This priestly obedience, imbued with a spirit of cooperation is based on the very sharing in the episcopal ministry which is conferred on priests both through the Sacrament of Orders and the canonical mission.

This union of priests with their bishops is all the more necessary today since in our present age, for various reasons, apostolic undertakings must necessarily not only take on many forms but frequently extend even beyond the boundaries of one parish or diocese. No priest, therefore, can on his own accomplish his mission in a satisfactory way. He can do so only by joining forces with other priests under the direction of the Church authorities.

[url="http://www.ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/v2minis.htm"]http://www.ewtn.com/library/COUNCILS/v2minis.htm[/url]