The clergy of the Church had roles and responsibilities beyond the sacramental. As Augustine noted, the “bishop’s burden” included participation in civil society as well. With an increased political role came increased power and an increased opportunity for corruption.
Links:
Mosaic of the North African Bishop Quodvulteus
Geoffrey D. Dunn, “The Clerical Cursus Honorum in the Late Antique Roman Church”, Scrinium, 9, #1, 120-133.
Check out the other great Catholic podcasts at the Starquest Production Network
To listen, just click on the link below:
#469 – A History of the Catholic Church – The Ideal Bishop
catholicunderthehood.com 
.jpg){kind=link}