11. Authority, Power, Service The Church, therefore, is not just
a spiritual society; it is also juridical, with its institutions
and its laws. Where there is law, there must be authority. We
would expect that, in God's Church, authority should show
distinctive features. If this is so, what are these distinctive
features? In what spirit should church authority be exercised by
those holding it? How should it be regarded and accepted by
those under it? Does its possession imply privilege and
domination over others? Is it, in particular, akin to political
power as found in purely human societies? Or is it fundamentally
different? Imprecise or incorrect answers to these questions are
bound to lead to confusion. This happens particularly when
church power is viewed in terms of political domination. Such a
view reflects deep misunderstandings not only about church
authority itself; but also about the relationship between clergy
and laity, about their respective roles, and even about the
whole mission of the Church