Matthew 16:18 — "Upon This Rock"

Moravians affirm Peter's prominence and leadership role as mentioned in Matthew 16:18, but they do not accept the Catholic doctrine of papal succession. The Moravian tradition, influenced by their Reformation roots, sees the passage as honoring Peter without establishing a monopoly of authority.

Moravian church governance is collegial and episcopal: bishops serve alongside a council or synod. Leadership is exercised through discernment and mutual accountability, following patterns that Moravians see in early Christianity and in the Reformation traditions. The Moravian understanding values the continuity of leadership while rejecting claims of exclusive apostolic succession.