1. Aim: Describe the Church’s Structure, Power, & Influence

2. The Structure Of The Church
Amid weak central governments in feudal Europe, the Church emerged as a powerful institution
Church had its own organization
Power based on status
Structure consisted of different ranks of Clergy (Body of Religious Officials)
Pope in Rome headed Church
Bishops and Priests fell under Pope
Bishops supervised priests
Priests were lowest ranking member of clergy 2

3. Religion as a Unifying Force
Church was a stable force during an era of constant warfare & political turmoil
Provided Christians with sense of security and of belonging
Medieval Christians’ lived harsh lives
Followed the same path to Salvation (Everlasting life in heaven)
Priests administered the Sacraments
Important religious ceremonies
At the local level, village church was a unifying force in the lives of most people
Served as a religious and social center 3

4. The Law of the Church
Church’s authority was both religious and political
Church created a system of injustice to guide people’s conduct
All subject to Canon Law (Church Law)
Harshest Punishments (Excommunication & Interdict)
Pope used punishment to wield power over political rulers
Excommunication (Banishment) meant that king was denied salvation
Under Interdict, Sacraments couldn’t be performed- Without sacraments, kings may be doomed to Hell 4