You most certainly have my permission, Tex. All I pray is that God’s Truth will prevail. That’s all any of us should require.
Regards,
smvoice
Ok..
Lesson One. The Setup of the Ancient Church
The first Bishop of the Church was James, “Brother” of our Lord. The first Church Council was held in Jerusalem.
The early Church consisted of five Archbishoprics, or Patriarchates. Jerusalem, Antioch, Rome, Alexandria, Constantinople. The Bishops of these Churches had areas of authority, and did NOT have jurisdiction over the other areas.
No one Bishop had universal authority. Because the Imperial City was Rome, The Pope was given the Title: Primus Interpares, or first among equals. He was the tie-breaker so to speak. He sometimes called together Ecumenical Councils, but the Emperor did also. He did not have authority over the other bishops. Doctrine could NOT be formulated except by a Holy Ecumenical Council.