2. A. The lowest rank in the hierarchy is the parish priest. 1. Directly served the needs of people. 2. Administered sacraments. B. Bishops 1. Managed a group of parishes called a diocese. 2. Often were appointed by kings or powerful lords based on family or political ties. 3. Official church was the Cathedral because that’s where the bishop’s throne (cathedra) was.

3. C. Archbishops managed a group of dioceses called an archdiocese. D. The Pope 1. Held supreme authority in the church. 2. Advised by the curia, made up of cardinals (princes of the church) a.Advised the pope. b.Elected a new pope.

4. A. “Regular” clergy were monks and lived under strict rules. B. Female nuns were not clergy but lived under similar rules. C. Strict lifestyle was meant to show an extreme devotion to God. D. An abbot or abbess was elected to lead the monastery or convent. E. Benedict, Patrick and Augustine were important monks of the middle ages.

5. A. Political role 1. The Church held much political power because governments in Europe were weak. 2. The Church had its own law called “canon law”. a.Punished heretics, those who questioned Church principles or beliefs, with excommunication. b.Punished an entire region or area by issuing an interdict. B. Economic and social role 1. Collected a tithe, a tax of 10% of income. 2. Protected the dignity of the poor. 3. Defended the institution of the family. 4. Took care of the poor and needy and established hospitals.

6. C. Problems 1. Lay Investiture – the practice of a noble or king appointing a friend or relative to be bishop or abbot. 2. Simony – the practice of purchasing a position within the Church hierarchy. 3. Francis of Assisi and Dominic were leaders who attempted to reform the Church. 4. Inquisition a.Begun by the Dominicans as a reform movement. b.Sought to stamp out heresy. i.Those who confessed performed public penance. ii.Those who would not confess were turned over to the government for execution (burning at the stake).