Christian Cyclopedia

Bodies appointed for special functions or duties in the ch. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners (since 1948 Ch. Commissioners for Eng.) of the Angl. Ch. manage its estates and revenues. Two parliamentary commissions on Eng. Ch. courts were est. 1830 and 1881. The Royal Commission on Ecclesiastical Discipline, est. 1904, investigated alleged breaches in the conduct of the Angl. Divine Service. In RC Ch., commissions consist of ecclesiastics appointed by pope (papal) or bp. (diocesan). Papal commissions either consist chiefly of cardinals (e.g., Biblical Commission*) or are presided over by a cardinal, ln Luth. and other Prot. chs., commissions are usually permanent or of longer duration and greater importance than committees.