The Catholic dictionary defines Apostolic succession as:
“The method by which the episcopacy has been derived from the Apostles to the present day. Succession means successive consecration by the laying on of hands, performing the functions of the Apostles, receiving their commission in a lineal sequence from the Apostles, succession in episcopal sees traced back to the Apostles.
The Bible
The apostles were commissioned by Jesus Christ. Then the apostles, in of turn, commissioned others through the laying on of hands. For example, in Acts 6:6 the early church leaders laid hands on the seven chosen men, conferring on them the authority of ministry.
Another example is in 1 Timothy 4:14. Here Paul tells Timothy not to neglect the gift given to him “when the elders laid their hands on you.”
Ecumenical Tradition
Apostolic succession was an ecumenical doctrine. All churches held to it, including even some gnostics. The only ones that denied it, were those involved in heresy. Which died out.
Churches in Apostolic Succession
Churches that claim some form of episcopal apostolic succession, dating back to the apostles or to leaders from the apostolic era, include:
- The Roman Catholic Church
- The Eastern Orthodox Church
- The Oriental Orthodox Churches
- The Church of the East
- The Moravian Church
- The Anglican Communion
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Old Catholics and other Independent Catholics.
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- The Law of Prayer is the Law of Belief - June 16, 2025
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