Hmm, isn’t the Epsicopol Hierachy predicated on “church elders”?
Episkopos?
The NT usage of elder characterizes a church leader as being “senior” or “older” (1 Tim 5:1-2; 1 Tim 5:19; 1 Pe 5:1,5; 2 Jn 1:1, 3 Jn 1:1). We get this from the Greek: presbyter.
The doctrinal implication is that a pastor or bishop should not be an amateur or newbie in the faith. He has had time to demonstrate that he calling is affirmed, and able to give wise counsel. This is really no different from the OT usage, so the consistency of God is clearly seen.
As far a hierarchy, it’s absent from the NT. There isn’t a hierarchy lording over the churches. In the case of the apostles, they were foundational to the building of the church, but we don’t have apostles today because no one can meet the apostolic requirements.
Remember the Anglican church mirrored the Catholic church post reformation: so if you agree that this was the structure that God had intended for the church (I don’t in light of Scripture), then that is the church government you abide in.
That is not to say there aren’t great God-fearing men and women in the Catholic/Anglican church— there are. God uses people in spite of our dysfunctionality in all areas. It’s all about grace.