apostolic succession: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Primarily the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Church of the East, and the Anglican Communion. Most Protestant churches reject or do not emphasise the doctrine.

No, it is not merely a historical record. For its adherents, it is a theological reality—the means by which Christ's grace and authority are sacramentally transmitted to the church's ministry across generations.

Churches that uphold the doctrine (like Catholics and Orthodox) would say no for sacraments like ordination and sometimes confirmation. Protestant churches generally believe authority comes directly from Scripture and the Holy Spirit, not through an episcopal line.

It is the central ritual act in ordination. Bishops, who are themselves within the succession, physically lay their hands on the head of a priest or bishop being ordained, symbolising and effecting (in their belief) the transmission of spiritual authority and grace.

The doctrine in certain Christian churches that bishops derive their authority through an unbroken line of consecration from the original apostles.

Apostolic succession is usually religious/technical/academic in register.

Apostolic succession: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæp.əˌstɒl.ɪk səkˈseʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæp.əˌstɑː.lɪk səkˈseʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.