Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Priesthood below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church teaches that all the baptized share in Christ's priesthood — the common priesthood of the faithful — while the ministerial priesthood of bishops and priests differs from it essentially. It holds that the ministerial priest acts in the person of Christ to offer the Eucharistic sacrifice.
Source: CCC 1544–1553 ↗
The Orthodox Church teaches that all Christians form a 'royal priesthood,' offering spiritual sacrifices, while the ordained priesthood serves the Church by celebrating the mysteries and shepherding the flock. It holds that the priest acts as an icon of Christ, never apart from the bishop and the whole people of God.
Lutherans teach the priesthood of all believers: every Christian has direct access to God through Christ and shares in proclaiming the gospel. They hold that the public office of ministry exists to preach the Word and administer the sacraments on behalf of all, but confers no separate spiritual status.
The Reformed tradition teaches that Christ alone is the Church's great High Priest, and that all believers are priests unto God, offering spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise. It holds that ministers are servants of the Word, not a sacrificing priesthood standing between God and his people.
Baptists teach the priesthood of every believer: each Christian has direct access to God through Christ, the one mediator, without need of a human priestly caste. They hold that pastors are servant-leaders and teachers, not priests who mediate grace or offer sacrifice.
Source: BFM 2000, Preamble; II.B ↗
Methodists teach that all Christians are called to ministry as a priesthood of believers, sharing in Christ's mission to the world. They hold that ordained elders and deacons are set apart for particular functions of word, sacrament, and order, but do not form a separate priestly class.
Source: UMC What We Believe ↗
See how the traditions compare on related topics: