Although the Church is ordered in various ranks so that the whole is made up of different members, yet (as Paul says) we are all one in Christ.

Although the Church is ordered in various ranks so that the whole is made up of different members, yet (as Paul says) we are all one in Christ. Office does not constitute between members a division such that the insignificance of any part affects its union with the head. And so we say that in the unity of our faith and baptism we enjoy an undivided fellowship and a dignity common to us all; which the most blessed apostle Peter expressed in his inspired words: “Like living stones be yourselves built up into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” And farther on he says: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.”

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