Most Christian theologians have claimed

that the ministry of bishops, priests,
and deacons derives its authority and
sacramental efficacy from Christ through
his Apostles. In the Roman Catholic
Church it has been maintained that a
special charismatic sacramental
endowment conveying an indelible
“character” has been conferred on those
who receive valid ordination by the laying
on of hands on their heads by bishops
(who thus transfer to them the “power of
orders”), prayer, and a right intention. In
Protestant churches the ministry is
interpreted as a function rather than as a
status. Just as the sacramental power to
ordain, confirm, absolve, bless,
and consecrate the Eucharist can be given,
so also it can be taken away or suspended
for sufficient reason.