The priesthood of all believers is a concept found in the Protestant Church.
In ancient Judaism priests were the link between God and humans. In this sense the priests acted as a special group who could access God on other people鈥檚 behalf.
While Martin LutherA German theologian who was the principal figure of the German reformation. did not use the exact phrase, he regarded all baptised Christians as priests.
This idea developed and has led to the view in Protestantism that they do not require a priest or religious leader to access God - any Christian can go to God directly.
The basis for this Protestant view is found in the New Testament book of 1 Peter:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God鈥檚 special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
鈥 1 Peter 2:9
This view does not mean that ministers or pastors are unimportant or that they should not be viewed with respect. It is about removing the need for another to access God on a person鈥檚 behalf.
Protestants also point to 1 Timothy 2:5:
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.
鈥 1 Timothy 2:5
This confirms their understanding of the priesthood of all believers because it means that only Jesus can link people to God, and not a special religious priest or church leader.
Protestants therefore do not accept Roman Catholic practices such as confession, where church members go to the priest to confess sin. The priesthood of all believers means each Christian can confess to God directly.