early 2nd century (no later than 115)

Ignatius of Antioch: the monarchical episcopate and the "catholic church"

In seven letters written on his way to execution in Rome, Ignatius is the first to present clearly the threefold ministry: one bishop with presbyters and deacons. The bishop is like God (the Father), the presbyters like the apostles; without the bishop neither baptism nor the Eucharist may be performed, and nothing may be done for the church. The bishop is the center of unity against schisms and heresies; Ignatius is the first to speak of the "catholic church." Pelikan notes that the unity of the Church in the bishop is his constant theme, while the Church is called "holy" only once.