Sebastian R. Fama - St. Patrick's Basilica

The Church
There are those who contend that the Church is not a visible institution but merely
the body of believers. However, Jesus compares His Church only to visible things,
such as a flock, a body, a house, a city set on a hill, and a kingdom. 1 Timothy
3:15 tells us that the Church is "the pillar and foundation of truth." The words
pillar and foundation indicate assurance and stability, not division and confusion, as
one finds among the thousands of denominations that have sprung up since the
Reformation.
It is important to note that it is not the Church that determines truth; rather God
communicates His truth through the Church. All believers are a part of the Church,
which, though one body, has many parts, and the many parts have different
functions (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). The function of the Church's hierarchy is
clearly shown in Scripture. Consider the following:
Peter and the council of Jerusalem, over which he presided, taught by the power of
the Holy Spirit: "It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on
you any burden beyond these necessities…" (Acts 15:28).
All of the Churches were to abide by the decision: "As they (Paul and Timothy)
traveled from city to city, they handed on to the people for observance the
decision reached by the apostles and presbyters in Jerusalem" (Acts 16:4).
Bishops were in authority over congregations: "For this reason I left you in Crete so
that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in
every town, as I directed you" (Titus 1:5). The office of bishop is spoken of eight
times in the New Testament. The Greek words used are episcopos ἐπίσκοπος,
which means a superintendent or overseer, someone who visits, and episskope
ἐπισκοπή, which just refers to the office.
Presbyters were reminded of their responsibilities: "From Miletus he had the
presbyters of the Church at Ephesus summoned. 'Keep watch over yourselves
and over the whole flock, of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, in
which you tend the Church of God that He acquired with His own blood. I know
that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not
16