1. The Church Sec 3

2. The Church Hierarchy The Medieval Church had broad political power. It filled a leadership role in Europe. Kings were weak. Its power was felt all across Europe. Was a economic power, owning the most land by the end of the Dark Ages.

3. Hierarchy The Parish Priest The Church was organized according to strict hierarchy of rank. Parish Priest held the lowest rank. He was one of the most important because he administered five of the seven sacraments. He was responsible for the religious instruction of community.

4. Hierarchy Bishop He manages a group of parishes. The Cathedral is where the bishops office was held. King or powerful nobles usually controlled the selection of the bishop. Many bishops were feudal lords or vassals.

5. Church Leadership A group of several dioceses, called an archdiocese. Managed by an archbishop. Had power over bishops in that area. Pope was the supreme leader of the church. He was advised by a curia --- it member were cardinals.

6. The Church and Medieval life In the papal state the Pope was both the political and spiritual leader. This power was also directed to monarchs. The had its own code of law called canon laws. This included excommunicating a person. Cut off from the church. Most severed punishment

7. The Church and Medieval life The church did not allow anyone to question the principals of the church. People who spoke out against the church were considered Heretics--- unbelievers The Church also collected a tax called a tithe, typically one tenth of a person income. The church becomes the wealthiest institution in Europe.

8. Problems with the Church The great wealth of the church lead to the problem of lay investiture – practice of nobles appointing friends to positions of bishops or abbots. Great was for a person to become wealthy. Many church reformers tried to make changes. Searched out heretics and teaching that opposed church doctrine. This search is known as the Inquisition. Most were burnt at the stake