Hippolytus

As I reference the ancient church in Rome, put aside any notion you have of a glorious cathedral or ornate basilica. The third century church in Rome was a collection of house churches, supervised by an overseer called a bishop, forerunner to what Catholics call the pope. Hippolytus (170-235) was an early church teacher and theologian who challenged several presiding bishops for their corruption and questionable theological beliefs. His supporters elected him bishop to address the decline in clergy ethics. His opponents took the matter to the emperor and convinced him to banish Hippolytus to the mines at Sardinia. Ironically, one of the bishops whose behavior Hippolytus challenged was also banished there.  They reconciled and resigned their positions, so that new leadership could be brought forth to carry the church forward. If you research the history of the Catholic Church, you’ll find that Hippolytus was the first pope who resigned and was later recognized as a saint.
Schisms and deep divisions have long plagued the church. Every time I sing the hymn “The Church’s One Foundation,” I’m struck by a line in the fourth verse, “by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed.” I recently learned this nineteenth century hymn was written to address a potential schism between two bishops in the Church of South Africa over the authority of Scripture. The opening line is central to the entire hymn, “The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.”  The “Eucharistic Prayer” that is included in church liturgies the world over is attributed to Hippolytus.  The first and last sections of the prayer which bracket Jesus’ words of institution of the Lord’s Supper are offered here.  When we recite this prayer, we join with third century believers in praying: