ecumenical council
Quick Summary
An ecumenical council is a meeting of bishops and other Christian leaders to discuss and make decisions on matters of doctrine, administration, and discipline. The term "ecumenical" signifies a gathering of bishops from the entire church, as opposed to local councils, which are often called synods.1
In Roman Catholic doctrine, an ecumenical council must be called by the pope, and its decrees are binding only after his promulgation. Eastern Orthodox churches recognize the first seven ecumenical councils, while the Roman Catholic Church acknowledges thirteen additional councils as ecumenical.1
The concept of ecumenism itself refers to the movement toward worldwide Christian unity and cooperation, seeking to restore the unity of the early church. This movement involves reassessing historical sources and the destiny of the church, aiming to bring Christians together in faith and mission. Key ecumenical councils include the First Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Chalcedon (451), which addressed significant Christological doctrines.213
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An ecumenical or general council is a meeting of bishops of the whole church; local councils representing such areas as provinces or patriarchates are often called synods. According to Roman Catholic doctrine, a council is not ecumenical unless it has been called by the pope, and its decreesā¦
Read MoreAn ecumenical or general council is a meeting of bishops of the whole church; local councils representing such areas as provinces or patriarchates are often called synods. According to Roman Catholic doctrine, a council is not ecumenical unless it has been called by the pope, and its decreesā¦
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Roman CatholicismEcumenical councilsThe first church council, which set the precedent for all subsequent meetings, took place at Jerusalem about 50 ce and was attended by the Apostles, who debated whether Gentile Christians were obliged to follow the Mosaic Law. Regional councils of bishops, convoked toā¦
Read MoreThe first church council, which set the precedent for all subsequent meetings, took place at Jerusalem about 50 ce and was attended by the Apostles, who debated whether Gentile Christians were obliged to follow the Mosaic Law. Regional councils of bishops, convoked toā¦
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ChristianityEvolution of the episcopal officeā¦a hindrance against any new ecumenical council, even though many Orthodox have asked for one.
Read Moreā¦a hindrance against any new ecumenical council, even though many Orthodox have asked for one.
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Eastern OrthodoxyThe cultural contextā¦settling doctrinal disputes was the ecumenical council.
Read Moreā¦settling doctrinal disputes was the ecumenical council.
Read More- Eastern OrthodoxyRelations with the Western church
ā¦about only through a formal ecumenical council at which East and West would meet on equal footing, as they had done in the early centuries of the church. The project of a council was promoted with particular consistency by John Cantacuzenus, who, after a brief reign as emperor (1347ā54), becameā¦
Read Moreā¦about only through a formal ecumenical council at which East and West would meet on equal footing, as they had done in the early centuries of the church. The project of a council was promoted with particular consistency by John Cantacuzenus, who, after a brief reign as emperor (1347ā54), becameā¦
Read More - Eastern OrthodoxyCouncils and confessions
The Orthodox church recognizes seven ecumenical councilsāNicaea I (325), Constantinople I (381), Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451), Constantinople II (553), Constantinople III (680ā681), and Nicaea II (787)ābut considers that the decrees of several other, later
Read MoreThe Orthodox church recognizes seven ecumenical councilsāNicaea I (325), Constantinople I (381), Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451), Constantinople II (553), Constantinople III (680ā681), and Nicaea II (787)ābut considers that the decrees of several other, later
Read More - The Protestant HeritageAuthority of the Word
ā¦and creedal statements of the ecumenical councils and incorporated them into their own official body of teaching. Those concerned with the Trinity or the person and work of Jesus Christ were particularly highly regarded.
Read Moreā¦and creedal statements of the ecumenical councils and incorporated them into their own official body of teaching. Those concerned with the Trinity or the person and work of Jesus Christ were particularly highly regarded.
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St. John XXIIIReign as popeā¦that he was summoning an ecumenical councilāa general meeting of the bishops of the churchāthe first in almost a century. He said the idea came to him in a sudden inspiration. His purpose was to ābring the church up to dateā (aggiornamĆ©nto) and to work for its spiritual regeneration. Heā¦
Read Moreā¦that he was summoning an ecumenical councilāa general meeting of the bishops of the churchāthe first in almost a century. He said the idea came to him in a sudden inspiration. His purpose was to ābring the church up to dateā (aggiornamĆ©nto) and to work for its spiritual regeneration. Heā¦
Read More- Roman CatholicismOrgans of teaching authority
ā¦the solemn declaration of an ecumenical council (which is the assembly of the bishops) or the most solemn type of papal declaration, known as a definition of doctrine ex cathedra.
Read Moreā¦the solemn declaration of an ecumenical council (which is the assembly of the bishops) or the most solemn type of papal declaration, known as a definition of doctrine ex cathedra.
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