Nuanced
Peter as foundational; episcopal structure honored; not papal supremacy
Thomas Christians interpret Matthew 16:18 to affirm Peter's foundational apostolic role while maintaining an episcopal structure of church governance. The Thomas Christians recognize a succession of bishops (not popes) but reject any notion of papal primacy or universal jurisdiction.
Key Distinctions
- Rock referent:
- Peter role:
- foundational apostle
- Papal primacy:
- rejected
Scripture References
Sources
- Thomas Christian tradition
- Apostolic succession in Eastern Christianity