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'''Apostolic succession''' refers to the Christian doctrine that holds modern churches to be the descendants of the early apostolic church through the sacramental handing down of authority through the episcopate. Most significantly, it considers that the authority to celebrate [[Sacrament|sacraments]] is dependent on being able to trace such authority back to the first apostles, who in turn received it directly from [[Christ]].

'''Apostolic succession''' refers to the Christian doctrine that holds modern churches to be the descendants of the early apostolic church through the sacramental handing down of authority through the episcopate. Most significantly, it considers that the authority to celebrate [[Sacrament|sacraments]] is dependent on being able to trace such authority back to the first apostles, who in turn received it directly from [[Christ]].

Churches of Apostolic succession see in their doctrine and practice a sure and biblical, though not infallible, means of receiving and perpetuating the Faith from one generation to another. This is because Apostolic succession requires "tactile" chosing and ordination, person to person, "eyeball to eyeball", from the Apostles onward, requiring the most heightened responsibility in the giving and receiving. It is believed that a visible concrete hands on chosing best authenticates to the people both the succeeding leaders and the teaching to be furthered. It is also believed that there is grace of the Holy Spirit transmitted by the laying of hands at the time of ordination. They see Apostolic succession in both the Old and the New Tetaments:

Churches in Apostolic Succession see in their doctrine and practice a sure and biblical, though not infallible, means of receiving and perpetuating the Faith from one generation to another. This is because Apostolic Succession requires a "tactile," person to person, conferring of authority from the Apostles onward. It requires the most heightened responsibility in the giving and receiving. The practice originated in the late first century. It is also believed that there is the grace of the Holy Spirit transmitted by the laying on of hands at the time of ordination. Proponents see Apostolic succession in both the Old and the New Testaments:

Joshua 34:9 And Joshua son of Nun was full of the Spirit and wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands on him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Joshua 34:9 And Joshua son of Nun was full of the Spirit and wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands on him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

2 Timothy 1:6 (understood to be said by the Apostle Paul to a young bishop who himself is responsible for the choosing of others) Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:6 (understood to be said by the Apostle Paul to a young bishop who himself is responsible for the choosing of others) Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Ordination to the Orders of Deacon, Priest, and Bishop are with the laying on of hands and prayer in churches of Apostolic succession.  

Ordination to the Orders of Deacon, Priest, and Bishop are all done with the laying on of hands and prayer in those churches which adhere to Apostolic Succession.  

This doctrine is most prominent in the [[Catholic]], Orthodox and [[Anglican]] churches, as well as some other Eastern churches. It is also present in a modified form in the [[Methodist]] and the [[Mormon]] churches. Many other Protestant churches, as well as the [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], on the other hand, reject this doctrine entirely.

This doctrine is most evident in the [[Catholic]], [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Anglican]] churches, as well as some other Eastern Christian churches. A different but similar view is held by the [[Methodist]] and [[Mormon]] churches. Most Protestant churches, on the other hand, reject this doctrine entirely.

The Catholic church recognizes the Orthodox succession as valid, but the Orthodox does not recognize the Catholic succession. Neither recognizes the Anglican succession.<ref>Cf. the 1896 papal bull Apostolicae Curae</ref>

The Roman Catholic Church recognizes the Eastern Orthodox succession as valid, but the Orthodox do not recognize the Catholic succession because, although the lineage is intact, the faith is thought not to be. Neither recognizes the Anglican succession, although the Orthodox have stated that Anglican orders would be valid if differences in doctrine were resolved.<ref>Cf. the 1896 papal bull Apostolicae Curae</ref>

==See Also==

==See Also==