A bishop need not obey any mandate save the king’s.

Explanation

A bishop’s temporal allegiance runs to the sovereign alone; no inferior officer or magistrate may command the bishop’s obedience in matters of governance.

Where this applies

• A county sheriff attempts to order a bishop to testify in a local civil matter, but the bishop is only compelled to obey the sovereign authority, not a local officer.
• A governor's aide demands that a church leader comply with a subpoena from a state agency, but the bishop's temporal obedience runs only to the highest authority, not to subordinate officials.
• A municipal inspector tries to compel a bishop to open church records for a local investigation; the bishop refuses, citing that only the sovereign — not a minor functionary — can command his compliance.

See also

• 12.11.3 No man warring for God should be troubled by secular business.
• 12.11.9 The clergy should not be placed in temporal offices.