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[German Version] I. Terminology – II. Catholic Understanding – III. Orthodox Understanding – IV. Protestant Understanding I. Terminology The term hierarchy, apparently coined (c. 500 ce) by Ps.-Dionysius Areopagita, initially had the metaphysical meaning (etymologically from the Greek ἱερά/ hierá and ἀρχή/ archḗ, “sacred origin, sacred order, sacred dominion”) of a layered reality and perception (Dion. ¶ Ar. Cael. hier. 3.1; 4.3; 6.1). Since the Middle Ages, in the Catholic Church, it has referred to the legally ordered, layered clerical authority o…

[German Version] I. Christianity 1. Catholic Church. The Catholic understanding of the church’s teaching authority relates to the two wellsprings of the church, Easter and Pentecost. It refers to the authorized and authoritative representation of Christ through certain ministries and office within the public community of the church. For this purpose, specific individuals are chosen and sent (Matt 28:16–20; Mark 3:13–19; 2 Cor 3–6 etc.) It also relates to the gifts of God’s Spirit in the diversity of gi…