35. THE QUESTION WAS: According to Augustine, why was a Donatist bishop not a true bishop of the Church?

 

  1. He was not a direct successor of an apostle
  2. He was a sinner

 

 

THE ANSWER IS…..A….A Donatist bishop was not a direct successor of an apostle and therefore was not a true representative of the Church

 

Here is the Augustine quote : "If the very order of episcopal succession is to be considered, how much more surely, truly, and safely do we number them [the bishops of Rome] from Peter himself, to whom, as to one representing the whole Church, the Lord said, ‘Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not conquer it.’ Peter was succeeded by Linus, Linus by Clement. ... In this order of succession a Donatist bishop is not to be found" (Letters 53:1:2 [A.D. 412]).

 

For more Early Church comments on the succession of bishops from apostles, see: http://www.catholic.com/library/Apostolic_Succession.asp

http://www.catholic.com/library/Peter_Successors.asp

http://www.catholic.com/library/Origins_of_Peter_as_Pope.asp

http://www.catholic.com/library/Authority_of_the_Pope_Part_1.asp

http://www.catholic.com/library/fathers_know_best.asp

 

 

 

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