Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 57-62).

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-68).

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-76).

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-59).

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2004. / Bibliography: leaves 56-63.

Inaug.-Diss.-Liepzig. / Vita. "Literaturverzeichnis": p. [7]-12.

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-63).

Thesis (J.C.L.)--Catholic University of America, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-52).

Four commissions considered cathedrals during the nineteenth century. The first two gave them their modern structure: a dean, a small number of stipendiary, residentiary, canons, a larger honorary body. But the principal achievement of these commissions was negative; their emphasis was on the removal of wealth. The second two sought to give new corporate and diocesan life to these ancient bodies. Their aspirations, however, never achieved parliamentary enactment. Thus in the early twentieth century there was will for the reform; the establishment of the Church Assembly presented more auspicious circumstances in which to attempt it. The thesis falls into two related parts. The first traces institutional change across the twentieth-century - change which can be measured by the statutory outcome of the proposals of the three commissions which sat during the century. It will be argued that all three were clearly products of their times, showing the influence of context: of social (and technological) change and of the mind-set of the Church: the first two, reflecting that Church, were conservative and respectful of inheritance and tradition. The last, in an age socially, politically, administratively, ecclesiastically, much changed, was radical. It showed less respect for tradition and a greater susceptibility to external factors: markedly to contemporary management theory. Constitutions regulate a life. The second part explores aspects of that life. All the aspects reviewed helped to form, and were in turn re-formed by, the Commissions and the consequent Measures. First among the subjects examined is the fundamental, defining, relationship, that with the bishop and the diocese. Other chapters discuss the force of external, social, change in shaping and moulding the work and witness of cathedrals, and their methods and standards of pastoral care. The ecumenical movement, though scarcely noticed by the first Commission, was already a factor in the work of a few cathedrals. The 1990s commission assumed, and its Measure provided for, ecumenical involvement. The first commission noted the fact of dissension within cathedrals and between them and their bishops; such troubles were the immediate cause of the last commission; the final chapter examines publicly prominent episodes of dissension. Throughout the century, in their witness the cathedrals responded, sometimes profoundly, to a context of change; their historic constitutions and the independence they conferred enabled the cathedrals to conduct a richly varied public ministry The, frequently decisive, force of personalities, especially of deans and provosts, in producing that ministry, is emphasised. The progress of the parish church cathedrals from, early in the century, scant institutional life to, by its end, parity with their ancient counterparts, is traced. The main text is supported by appendices, including two respectively providing biographical notes on those mentioned in the text, and definitions of specialist terms.

This study has been an analysis of the impact of Early Catholicism to the United Methodist Church. The study has employed the following exegetical approaches; social scientific criticism, historical criticism and theological comparative method. It has also used data collection methods which include the designed questionnaire and unstructured interviews. The features of Early Catholicism were elaborated namely; the fading of the Parousia hope or imminent expectation, increasing institutionalization, crystallization of faith into set forms, the preservation of apostolic traditions, formulated creeds and confessions, established worship patterns, normative Christian ethics and distinctive collection of writings. The organizational structure of the United Methodist Church was delineated. The historical background of the church was provided. The constitution of the church was outlined with the following features; general articles, organizational structure, episcopal supervision, the judiciary and the amendments of the constitution. The theological heritages of the church are highlighted namely; basic Christian affirmation, distinctive Wesleyan emphasis, justification and perfection, mission, service and nurturing. The articles of religion of the United Methodist were also elaborated namely; faith in the Holy Trinity, sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for salvation, the original sin and free will, justification of men, the sacraments, sanctification, Holy Spirit and perfection. The doctrinal standards or methods of doing theology namely; scripture, tradition, experience and reason are elaborated. Wesley believed that the living of core of the Christian faith was reviewed in scripture, illuminated by tradition, vivified in personal experience and confirmed by reason. The study also explores the mission and ministry of the church which encompasses the ministry of all Christians, servant leadership, servant ministry, call to inclusiveness, the fulfilment of ministry and methods of organizing a new church. The United Methodist is a well organized church with social principles namely; the natural world, the social creed, the nurturing, social, economic and world communities. The duties and responsibilities of pastors, bishops and district superintendents are well defined and summarised in the fourfold ministry of sacrament, word, service and order. The study also provides the administrative committees and boards of the United Methodist Church. The liturgical calendar is also elaborated namely; advent, Christmastide, epiphany, lent, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and other special Sundays. Two sacraments of the United Methodist Church are stressed, Holy Communion and baptism. The study also provides rules and regulations that deal with church property. All tittles are held in trust, the emphasis is on compliance with the law, and church’s financial books should be audited. The church has its own ways of dealing with disputes, trails and appeals through the judicial council. An evaluation of the impact of Early Catholicism to the life and ministry of the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is provided. It was observed that the United Methodist Church adopted many features from Early Catholicism which includes its organizational structure, creeds and confessions, worship patterns and crystallization of faith into set forms. Finally, recommendations were made focusing ways to improve the organizational structure of the United Methodist Church. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / New Testament Studies / PhD / Unrestricted