This engaging study is an examination of the theological basis and the social roots of Augustine's theology of ordained ministry, especially as found in his letters and obiter dicta. Issues of great contemporary interest (married priesthood, simony, women as ministers) are discussed. This monograph will be of great interest to theologians, philosophers and those concerned with the unique role of priesthood in Western Christianity.Augustine's great contributions in defining and explicating the duties, problems and meaning of the sacerdotal are discussed with thoroughness and a full command of Greek, Latin, German and English primary and secondary sources.