how did the institution of the sacramental system in christianity affect the role of priests? the sacramental system diminished priestly authority as the sacraments replaced the priest as a source of holiness. the sacramental system enhanced priestly authority, for only a priest could normally dispense most sacraments. the sacramental system undermined the authority of priests, for priests lost the ability to adapt the church's teaching to local religious traditions. the sacramental system enhanced priestly authority because it replaced strong, personal devotion to the saints.