“1. And our Apostles knew through our Lord Jesus Christ that there would be strife over the name of the bishop's office. 2. For this cause therefore, having received complete foreknowledge, they appointed the aforesaid persons, and afterwards they provided a continuance, that if these should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed to their ministration. Those therefore who were appointed by them, or afterward by other men of repute with the consent of the whole Church, and have ministered unblamably to the flock of Christ in lowliness of mind, peacefully and with all modesty, and for long time have borne a good report with all these men we consider to be unjustly thrust out from their ministration. 3. For it will be no light sin for us, if we thrust out those who have offered the gifts of the bishop's office unblamably and holily.” Pope St. Clement, first epistle   (1 Clement 44:1-3)