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The Middle Ages. Part Three The Church. I. The Hierarchy. The lowest rank in the hierarchy is the parish priest. Directly served the needs of people. Administered sacraments. Bishops Managed a group of parishes called a diocese.
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The Middle Ages Part Three The Church
I. The Hierarchy • The lowest rank in the hierarchy is the parish priest. • Directly served the needs of people. • Administered sacraments. • Bishops • Managed a group of parishes called a diocese. • Often were appointed by kings or powerful lords based on family or political ties. • Official church was the Cathedral because that’s where the bishop’s throne (cathedra) was.
I. The Hierarchy C. Archbishops managed a group of dioceses called an archdiocese. D. The Pope • Held supreme authority in the church. • Advised by the curia, made up of cardinals (princes of the church) • Advised the pope. • Elected a new pope.
II. Monasticism • “Regular” clergy were monks and lived under strict rules. • Female nuns were not clergy but lived under similar rules. • Strict lifestyle was meant to show an extreme devotion to God. • An abbot or abbess was elected to lead the monastery or convent. • Benedict, Patrick and Augustine were important monks of the middle ages.
III. The Church and Medieval Life • Political role • The Church held much political power because governments in Europe were weak. • The Church had its own law called “canon law”. • Punished heretics, those who questioned Church principles or beliefs, with excommunication. • Punished an entire region or area by issuing an interdict. • Economic and social role • Collected a tithe, a tax of 10% of income. • Protected the dignity of the poor. • Defended the institution of the family. • Took care of the poor and needy and established hospitals.
III. The Church and Medieval Life C. Problems • Lay Investiture – the practice of a noble or king appointing a friend or relative to be bishop or abbot. • Simony – the practice of purchasing a position within the Church hierarchy. • Francis of Assisi and Dominic were leaders who attempted to reform the Church. • Inquisition • Begun by the Dominicans as a reform movement. • Sought to stamp out heresy. • Those who confessed performed public penance. • Those who would not confess were turned over to the government for execution (burning at the stake).