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118 • Part I. The Creed: The Faith Professed
activity, catechetical ministry, the teaching of theology, and the use of
all forms of contemporary media. While witness is essential, we should
be always aware of opportunities to share our faith verbally with each
other and with all those who do not yet profess it. This prophetic role is
exercised with the guidance of the bishops, who have a special teaching
responsibility entrusted to them by Christ.
A ROYAL PEOPLE
God’s people share in Christ’s kingly mission, which is to lead others
through loving service to them. Jesus came not “to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). We are called,
in imitation of the Lord Jesus, to be people who offer ourselves will-
ingly in service to others. Actions of such service can point to Christ’s
Kingdom of love, justice, mercy, and salvation to all persons, cultures,
governments, and other structures of society. We are also called to a
life of service to the Church herself. Servant leadership is a responsibil-
ity of all God’s people within their differing roles and responsibilities.
Bishops have a particular responsibility of leadership and governance in
the Church.
“Lay members of the Christian faithful can cooperate in the
exercise of this power [of governance].” . . . The Church pro-
vides for their presence at particular councils, diocesan synods,
pastoral councils; the exercise of the pastoral care of a parish,
collaboration in finance committees, and participation in eccle-
siastical tribunals, etc. (CCC, no. 911, citing
Code of Canon
Law
, can. 129 §2)
THE CHURCH AS COMMUNION
The image of the Church as Communion has the value of connecting
truths about the Church in a fruitful and harmonious manner. We begin
with a definition of the Church as Communion.