ABSTRACT
Churches and sects, in common with other social groups, must have a formalized social structure if they are to remain in existence over a period of time. This chapter is concerned with the pattern of authority in the sects and the way in which they are administered. The ecclesiastical structure of all the sects and of the Church of Scotland is similar, but very different from the Roman Catholic Church with its doctrine of Apostolic Succession. Specialist secretaries or clerks specifically concerned with administration are found at the headquarters of some sects; often they are not members of the ecclesiastical hierarchy but rather paid employees. Women officials are known as deaconesses in most sects and as sisters in others. The lowest level in the male hierarchy is the deacon, known sometimes as a monitor. The office of elder is the next level in the ecclesiastical hierarchy. The nativistic Ethiopian Church has a similar hierarchy of ministers, local ministers, and minor officials.
