Although the Church properly is the congregation of saints and true
believers, nevertheless, since in this life many hypocrites and
evil persons are mingled therewith, it is lawful to use Sacraments
administered by evil men, according to the saying of Christ: The
Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat, etc. Matt. 23, 2. Both
the Sacraments and Word are effectual by reason of the institution and
commandment of Christ, notwithstanding they be administered by evil men.
They condemn the Donatists, and such like, who denied it to be lawful to
use the ministry of evil men in the Church, and who thought the ministry
of evil men to be unprofitable and of none effect.
← Article VII: Of the Church · Contents · Article IX: Of Baptism →