Ancient Christian cross

Varying accounts name Clement of Rome as either the first or the third bishop of Rome said to be in succession to Peter. Two ancient epistles are attributed to him. I Clement is a letter written from Rome to Corinth to settle a dispute in the Corinthian church. Clement insists in this letter on a moral life and order in the church. He maintains that the apostles appointed bishops or presbyters (he uses the terms interchangeably) along with deacons in every congregation. He identifies presidency at the Lord's Supper and rule of the church as two of the functions of the bishop/presbyter. II Clement is the oldest surviving complete Christian sermon outside of the New Testament. It discusses the morality of the Christian life and the necessity of repentance.