CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE AND BISHOPS (Priesthood Discussion)

by PatrickW , Saturday, March 21, 2009, 18:37 (1524 days ago) @ PeterR

Peter,

The following is how I understand that Cyprian favoured the election of bishops. I'm not sure but I believe that the present practice of three bishops to ordain a new bishop comes to us from this, but it wasn't to make sure of the apostolic succession, but to ensure the orthodoxy of the new bishop. These days, with appointments coming from Rome it doesn't mean much.

Apart from Cyprian's own work on "the Unity of the Catholic Church" there is also a good commentary on Cyprian and his writings by Peter Hinchcliff.

SINCE I AM NO EXPERT, THIS IS A SHORT COMMENT ON CYPRIAN IN THE MEANTIME.

After Bishop Donatus of Carthage died, Cyprian was elected in his place, in 248. He was often heard to say that a bishop ought to be chosen by the vote of his fellow bishops [of his own province] the consent of the laity and a majority of the clergy, and the judgment of God.

What he meant by the last is open to speculation. Cyprian believed in the significance of dreams, or perhaps there could have been an ecstatic utterance by a recognised prophet, for prophets were still known to African Christians of this period.

Eusebius - The History of the Church [VI,29] - tells the story of the election of Pope Fabian in 236. Fabian was with a party visiting Rome from the country, and was present at the assembly to elect a new pope. Nobody took any notice of him until, suddenly, a dove flew down and perched on his head, "plainly following the example of the descent upon the Saviour of the Holy Spirit". Fabian was immediately elected by unanimous public acclamation.

PatrickW