Expert: Brenda Martin - 8/9/2006

Question
I haven't been to Church in a long while and I'm interested in the way the hierarchy in a church order works.  I'd like to know where nuns, priests, bishops and friars fit in this order, perhaps in the same sense the chain-of-command works in the U.S. Military.

The way I understand it a private answers to a sergeant who answers to a higher-ranking NCO who answers to a C.O. who answers to a CG who answers to a chief of staff who answers to Sec. Of Defense to the President.

Where can I get a complete diagram for this hierarchy as it applies to a church order?  

Also, I'd like to know about the steps a woman would need to take in order to become a nun.  (Assuming she's already a Christian) Is it as simple as just filling out an application to the sisterhood?  (That was flippant, I know, but that's the basic level I guess I'd like to have the process explained) Is it also possible for a nun to "advance" in the hierarchy? Even higher than a priest?

I appreciate your help.

Answer
Sorry Augusto, I couldnt in all conscience give you the steps to join,what I believe to be, false religion.

I dont know the "church hierarchy" but I do know, there shouldnt be any such thing.Jesus said "never to call anyone on earth FATHER"

the Christian congregation Jesus established did not have nuns, preists etc.they are all "orders" invented in the 4th century by the Roman Catholic church.

If you are looking however to worship God in the correct manner, I can help you in that direction.

I look forward to hearing from you.

all the best
Brenda