Newman's Theology of Bishops

Abstract

Newman's writings do not contain a developed treatise on the theology of the bishop. He has, however, a robust view of how bishops mediate the experience of God to believers with the aim of bringing about church unity. His theological view of bishops is a combination of patristic theology, a sacramental understanding of authority, and a spirituality of obedience. What connects these aspects together is what I describe as the bishops' sacramental charisma.