While priests play an important role in the Catholic Church, it is Catholic Bishops who are the successors to the apostles. Here is an excerpt from one article which explains why Lutheran bishops do not have claim to “apostolic succession”:
The logic of the philosophy of the Protestant Faith is that all Church authority and teaching ended with the death of the Apostles. If you understand that Christ created a living Church for all time, the obvious is to acknowledge the succession to the Apostles to the current day. The Bishops of the Catholic Church can trace their ordination from today back to Peter, upon which Christ founded his Church. The following scripture passages point to clear evidence of Apostolic succession and the need for the Church as founded by Jesus to continue.
“Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them."
Acts 6:3-6
This scripture passage is an example of the expansion of the Church. It represents the ordination and continuation of the Faith. Much like today, hands are “laid upon” those being ordained.
Many protestant religions have what is called “ordained” ministers. The question is ordained by whom. Since the Protestant Reformation was started by man, its authority is granted by man. The authority given by God to the Church is of God and cannot be claimed by any man. You cannot storm the gates of heaven, you must be called. Christ created one Church, one authority. Just because someone professes to be called by God does not make it the case. It may be wise to try and determine where those operating outside the one true Church gain their authority. God would not divide his kingdom. God would not divide his Church.
Source:
ourcatholicfaith.org/whycatholic/apostolicsuccession.html
