Robert B. Eno, S.S.
Shared RespQnsibility •
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The Early Church
"Fro·rn the beginning of my emscopate l decùled to do nothing ... without your advice and the consent of the people." Cyprian to h"is clergy.
On September 26, 426, an elderly Bishop Augustine enterecl the Basilica Pacis in Hippo Regius to tell his flock that he wished ·to appoint his successor and, following time-honored Christian tradition, to ask for their approval of his decision. In so doing, he was being faithful to the practice that the whole people of God should have a share in choosing their leaders. By 129