ABSTRACT
Both paragraphs, which deal with the collegiality of bishops, are in the third chapter of the Constitution, after three paragraphs which deal with the origin of the episcopate and before the paragraphs on the threefold task of the bishops and those on priests and deacons. This means that the theme of collegiality occupies a prominent place: what is held in common comes before the individual elements (task) or the distinguishing features (priests, deacons). This structure reflects the structure of Lumen gentium as a whole. In other words, the constitution’s view of the Church generally, the characteristic of which is that what is held in common has priority over marks of differentiation, is expressed in reflection on the ministry.
