Dogmatic Constitution on the Church

The "Dogmatic Constitution on the Church," known as Lumen Gentium, is a key document from the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) in Roman Catholicism. It re-envisioned the Church as the "mystical body of Christ," a spiritual union of all Christians with Jesus as their head. This constitution emphasized the universal call to holiness and the role of all members, including the laity, in the Church's mission. It encouraged greater lay participation in worship and church governance, and promoted dialogue and understanding with other Christian denominations, religions, and all people. The document also affirmed the dignity of the human person and the right to religious freedom.123