BISHOPS

After churches were planted in all places, and officers ordained, matters were settled otherwise than they were in the beginning. And hence it is that the Apostles’ writings do not, in all things, agree with the present constitution of the Church; because they were written under the first rise of the Church; for he called Timothy, who was created a Presbyter by him, a Bishop, for so, at first, the Presbyters were called.

Ambrose

With you I am a Christian, and for you I am a bishop.

Augustine of Hippo

Every minister of Jesus is a missionary. So are the bishops, as His chief ministers, eminently missionaries – sent out by Christ Himself to preach the gospel.

Bishop Washington Doane

The Pope alone can dispose or reinstate bishops.

Gregory the Great

Let all follow the bishop, as Jesus Christ follows his Father, and the college of presbyters as the apostles; respect the deacons as you do God’s law. Let no one do anything concerning the Church in separation from the bishop.

Ignatius of Antioch

Among the ancients, Presbyters and Bishops were the same. But by little and little, all the seeds of dissension might be plucked up, the whole care was devolved on one. As therefore, Presbyters know, that by the custom of the Church, they are subject to him who is their president, so let Bishops know, that they are above Presbyters more by the custom of the Church, than by the true dispensation of Jesus Christ.

Jerome