The Role of the Bishop

Theological Notes

In order that His ministry should continue for ever in the Church, Jesus called the Twelve and committed to them His own authority to teach, sanctify and govern. For the same reason Christ divinely instituted that the mission He had committed to the Apostles should be transmitted to others as their successors, namely the bishops.

The bishop is the central figure in the diocese. It is to him that the care of the diocese is entrusted, with the assistance of his clergy and under the authority of the Supreme Pontiff. As the Pope is “the visible source and foundation of unity” of the universal Church, so “individual bishops are the visible source and foundation of unity in their own particular churches”.

The grace and power of the apostolic ministry are transmitted by episcopal consecration. Vatican II teaches that this consecration confers the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. By this means the grace of the Holy Spirit is given to the bishops, who thus “take the place of Christ Himself, teacher, shepherd and priest, and act in His person”. Thus, through the ministry of bishops, it is Christ Himself who preaches the Word of God, administers the sacraments and directs and guides His people.
Pre-eminent among the duties of the bishop is the preaching of the Gospel. Bishops are authentic teachers, endowed with the authority of Christ. When they “teach in communion with the Roman Pontiff [they] are to be revered by all as witnesses of divine and Catholic truth”. As recipients of the fullness of the priesthood, they are stewards of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, regulating their celebration for the good of the people. They should also build up the flock of Christ by prayer and example.

Finally, the bishop should govern his diocese after the example of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Whilst the bishop exercises his power under the ultimate control of supreme authority of the Church, he should not be seen merely as the representative of the pope, for his power of governance is ordinary and immediate.

As well as having particular care of his own diocese, the bishop, as a member of the episcopal college, has responsibility for the apostolic mission of the universal Church.

Canon Law Summary

In the Catholic Church bishops are the successors of the Apostles as shepherds of the flock entrusted to their care. They are to be teachers of doctrine, ministers of worship, and holders of office in church government. A Diocesan Bishop [e.g. the Bishop of Arundel & Brighton] is entrusted with the care of the Catholic faithful within the boundaries of that diocese. He is also to foster good relations with other Christians, people of other faiths, civic authorities, and indeed all people of goodwill.

Through his bond of communion with the Bishop of Rome, a bishop shares with his fellow bishops in a care for the whole universal church. A Bishop also becomes a member of an Episcopal Conference [e.g. England & Wales] and thus plays a part in the development of Catholic life in his region or country.

Through the sacrament of Holy Orders the bishop has a special bond with his clergy [priests and deacons]. They are to be his co-workers in the service of the People of God. The bishop is also assisted in the government of the diocese by the diocesan curia, which consists not only of clergy, but also of religious and laity with special skills and competence in various areas of the life of the Church.

To be appointed a bishop a man must be outstanding in "strong faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence, and other human virtues". He must be at least 35 years old and have been a priest for at least five years. For England and Wales bishops are appointed by the Pope on the basis of a 'terna' [shortlist of three names] drawn up by the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain. In drawing up the 'terna', the Nuncio consults widely amongst other bishops, and also clergy, religious, and laity from within the diocese.

After an appointment is announced the chosen man must prepare himself for episcopal ordination which will happen within three months of his appointment being confirmed. For a diocesan bishop this will more than likely take place in his cathedral church. It is through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in episcopal ordination that one becomes a bishop, and it is only after his ordination that the new Bishop begins his duties.

The above is a synthesis of the 1983 Code of Canon Law: Canons 375-402

Civil Law

As the Chair of the Diocesan Trustees the Bishop also has a key role in Civil Law: the Diocese being a registered Charity. The Charity Commission has published a Guide to the law concerning Charitable Trusts and the responsibility of Trustees and this site has further information about the relationship between Civil Law and Canon Law