Clement of Rome

(d. c. 101). Usually considered the fourth Bishop of Rome, after Peter, Linus, and Anacletus, he is noted for his “The Letter of the Church of Rome to the Church of Corinth, Commonly Called Clement's First Letter.” It was written around 96. The letter urges the Corinthian Church to restore the duly chosen leaders to their offices. He claims that the apostles had appointed the bishops and deacons. Neither they nor their successors were to be deprived of their offices. This is the seed of the theology of apostolic succession. However, Clement does not mention the single episcopate. A later writing, “An Anonymous Sermon, Commonly Called Clement's Second Letter,” was not written by him. His “Letter” to the Corinthian Church was treated by some as scripture as late as 170. He is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Nov. 23.