Biskup i prezbiteri u obzoru ekleziologije zajedništva
The Bishop and Presbyters in View of the Ecclesiology of Communion

Theological-pastoral Guidelines

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to reflect on the relationship between the bishop and presbyters in view of the ecclesiology of communion, i.e. the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council. The author gives an insight into the essence of the offices of bishop and presbyter, and into the question of their mutual relationship in the perspective of the ecclesiology of communion. The bishop and presbyters are not isolated in the church community, nor are they for their own purpose, but can be understood properly only in view of the communion of the whole people of God, and in the perspective of service which represents an important dimension of ecclesiastical office and authority. In this regard, the offices of bishop and presbyter, as well as their relationship, must first be characterized by co-operation, co-responsibility, mutual respect, and acknowledgment, all in the atmosphere of essential Christian communion and service in love. The author further points to two ‘holy’ concerns: the concern of the bishop for the presbyters, and the concern of the presbyters, especially parish priests for the entrusted parish community. The last part of the paper seeks to raise awareness about the importance of justice within the church community, especially in relationships between bishops and presbyters.

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