Glossary

Priest

1)     The idea of priesthood is found in almost all the great religions except that of Islam. It is usually associated with ‘sacrifice’. In the New Testament the term is only used of the whole people of God or of Jesus himself as the ‘great high priest’. The second order of ministry now known as priest was originally known as ‘presbyter’ or ‘elder’. It was not until the second century that the term ‘priest’ became popular. The modern usage retains both elements. A priest is a teacher and elder of the church who also offers a sacrificial ministry of service based on the self offering of Jesus Christ. In the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches only priests and bishops are allowed to preside at the Eucharist. They alone bless and pronounce absolution.

1 Terms with 1 Definitions