Grace Thompson
The Catholic Church has held 21 ecumenical councils over a period of nearly 2,000 years. Ecumenical councils are meetings of bishops and other church authorities to consider and rule on questions of Christian doctrine, administration, and discipline. The first council was the Council of Jerusalem, which took place around the year 50 AD. The most recent council, Vatican II, began in 1962 and addressed issues such as the renewal and reform of the Church. In addition to ecumenical councils, the Catholic Church also recognizes particular councils, which are divided into plenary councils and provincial councils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholic Ecumenical Councils | 21 |
| Nature of Councils | Ecumenical councils are meetings of bishops and other church authorities to consider and rule on questions of Christian doctrine, administration, and discipline. |
| First Council | The Council of Jerusalem, which occurred around A.D. 50, is usually not counted as an ecumenical council. |
| First Ecumenical Council | First Council of Nicaea, 325 A.D. |
| Latest Ecumenical Council | Council of Trent, 1545-1563 |
| Longest Ecumenical Council | The Council of Trent is the longest council, lasting 18 years. |
| Most Recent Council | First Vatican Council, 1869-1870 |
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What You'll Learn
What is an ecumenical council?
An ecumenical council, also known as a general council, is a gathering of bishops and other church authorities from across the world, who come together to discuss and rule on questions of Christian doctrine, administration, discipline, and other matters that affect the whole Church. The term 'ecumenical' comes from the Late Latin 'oecumenicus', meaning 'general' or 'universal', which in turn comes from the Greek 'oikoumenikos' or 'oikoumene', meaning 'the inhabited world'.
The ecumenical councils are considered to have authority over the whole Church, and their decisions are binding. However, not all Christian denominations accept the authority of ecumenical councils, and there is some debate about which councils are truly ecumenical. Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches all accept the authority of ecumenical councils in principle, but they differ on which specific councils they recognise. For example, the Eastern Orthodox Church recognises seven ecumenical councils, while the Catholic Church recognises 21.
The first seven ecumenical councils are recognised by both Eastern and Western Christianity. These include the First Council of Nicaea (325), which repudiated Arianism and declared that Christ is "homoousios with the Father" (of the same substance as the Father), and the First Council of Constantinople (381), which repudiated Arianism and Macedonianism and declared that Christ is "born of the Father before all time".
The Catholic Church holds that a council is ecumenical if it is recognised by the Pope, while the Eastern Orthodox Church considers a council ecumenical if it is accepted by the church at large, including the clergy, monks, and assembly of believers. Some councils, such as the Council of Ephesus, have been primarily doctrinal, while others, such as Vatican II, have been mainly pastoral. Ecumenical councils are usually convened to address pressing issues in the life of the Church, such as heretical teachings, disciplinary matters, or pastoral issues.
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The 21 recognised ecumenical councils
The Catholic Church recognises 21 ecumenical councils, also called general councils, which have occurred over a period of about 1900 years. An ecumenical council is a meeting of bishops and other church authorities to consider and rule on questions of Christian doctrine, administration, and discipline. The word "ecumenical" is derived from the Late Latin "oecumenicus" ("general, universal"), which comes from the Greek "oikoumenikos" ("from the whole world").
The first ecumenical council was the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which defined the divinity of the Son of God against Arius and fixed the date for keeping Easter. The first seven ecumenical councils are recognised by the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and the first four by Oriental Orthodoxy.
The Fourth Council of Constantinople in 869-870 AD deposed Patriarch Photios I of Constantinople as a usurper and ended the Photian schism. The First Council of the Lateran in 1123 AD addressed the investment of bishops and the role of the Holy Roman Emperor. The Second Council of the Lateran in 1139 AD reaffirmed the First Council of the Lateran and addressed clerical discipline.
The Third Council of the Lateran in 1179 AD restricted papal election to the cardinals, condemned simony, and introduced minimum ages for ordination. The Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215 AD defined transubstantiation, addressed papal primacy, and issued 70 important reformatory decrees. It is considered the most important council of the Middle Ages.
The First Council of Lyon in 1245 AD proclaimed the deposition of Emperor Frederick II and instituted a levy to support the Holy Land. The Council of Trent, which lasted from 1545 to 1563 AD, was the longest council and produced the largest number of dogmatic and reformatory decrees. It examined and condemned the errors promulgated by Luther and other Reformers, and reaffirmed the doctrine of indulgences.
The First Vatican Council, summoned by Pope Pius IX, met in 1869 and was adjourned in 1870, but it is still unfinished. The Second Vatican Council, which began in 1962, issued pastoral documents on the renewal and reform of the Church, intending to make it more effective in dealing with the contemporary world.
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The Pope's role in councils
There have been 21 Catholic Ecumenical Councils recognized by the Catholic Church, and the Pope, as the successor of St. Peter and the Vicar of Christ, plays a pivotal role in these councils. The Pope's role in councils is both symbolic and practical, reflecting the unique position of the Papacy in the Catholic Church.
The Pope is often the initiator of ecumenical councils. He has the authority to convene and preside over these assemblies of bishops from around the world. By doing so, the Pope sets the agenda and provides the impetus for the council's deliberations. This role is rooted in the belief that the Pope, as the successor of St. Peter, has a unique charism for maintaining and strengthening the unity of the faith.
During the councils, the Pope functions as the ultimate arbiter and guardian of doctrine. He ensures that the discussions and decisions remain faithful to the deposit of faith handed down through the ages. The Pope's presence serves as a reminder of the continuity of the Catholic faith and the need for any developments or clarifications to be rooted in tradition. He guides the discussions, providing direction and ensuring that the council's conclusions are theologically sound and consistent with the Church's teachings.
Beyond doctrine, the Pope also plays a critical role in the practical aspects of councils. He appoints key participants, including presidents and commissions, and approves the selection of council fathers—the bishops who participate in the council. The Pope also establishes the rules and procedures that govern the council's proceedings, ensuring a smooth and orderly process.
Finally, the Pope is responsible for promulgating and implementing the decrees and canons that emerge from the council. This includes ensuring that the decisions are communicated effectively to the wider Church and providing guidance on their interpretation and application. Through his authority and leadership, the Pope ensures that the fruits of the council are integrated into the life and practice of the Catholic faithful.
In summary, the Pope's role in councils is multifaceted and essential. He convenes, guides, and safeguards the proceedings, ensuring that the faith is transmitted intact to future generations. Through his leadership, the Pope provides a visible sign of unity for the Catholic Church, bringing together bishops from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in a common pursuit of truth and unity in Christ.
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Councils' political rulings
The Catholic Church has had 21 ecumenical councils over a period of about 1900 years. Ecumenical councils are meetings of bishops and other church authorities that make binding rulings on Christian doctrine, administration, and discipline.
The Fourth Council of Constantinople (869–870) ended the Photian schism by deposing Patriarch Photios I of Constantinople and reinstating his predecessor, Saint Ignatius.
The First Council of the Lateran (1123) addressed the investment of bishops and the role of the Holy Roman Emperor.
The Second Council of the Lateran (1139) reaffirmed the First Council of the Lateran and addressed clerical discipline, including clerical celibacy and dress. It also defined and declared clerical marriages of priests and monks as non-existent and invalid.
The Third Council of the Lateran (1179) restricted papal elections to the cardinals, condemned simony, and introduced minimum ages for ordination (thirty for bishops).
The Fourth Council of the Lateran (1215) made several political rulings, including the deposition of Frederick II as German king and emperor. Frederick was accused of heresy, treason, and arresting a ship with about 100 prelates intending to attend a meeting with the pope.
Other notable political rulings by Catholic councils include the First Council of Lyon (1245), which proclaimed the deposition of Emperor Frederick II, and the Council of Ephesus, which was mainly doctrinal in nature and dealt with the issue of the two natures of Christ.
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Councils' doctrinal rulings
The Catholic Church recognizes 21 ecumenical councils that have occurred over a period of about 1900 years. An ecumenical council, also known as a general council, is a gathering of bishops and other church authorities to rule on questions of Christian doctrine, administration, and discipline. The term "ecumenical" comes from the Late Latin "oecumenicus" which means "general, universal".
The first seven ecumenical councils are recognized by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. The First Council of Nicaea, the First Council of Constantinople, and the Council of Ephesus are recognized by the Oriental Orthodox Church. The ecumenical nature of some councils was disputed initially but later accepted, such as the First Lateran Council and the Council of Basel.
The Council of Jerusalem or Apostolic Council, held in Jerusalem around AD 50, is not considered an ecumenical council by the Catholic Church, although it is recognized as such by most other Christian denominations. This council is described in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 15.
First Council of Nicaea (325)
- Condemned Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ.
- Defined the consubstantiality of the Father and the Son.
- Fixed the date for Easter.
- Began the formulation of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
First Council of Constantinople (381)
- Recondemned Arianism.
- Condemned Macedonianism, which denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
- Completed the formulation of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
Council of Ephesus (431)
- Condemned Nestorianism, which denied the unity of the divine and human in Christ.
- Defined Mary as the Mother of God (Theotokos), a doctrine denied by the Nestorians and most modern Protestants.
- Condemned Pelagianism, which held that man could achieve salvation through his natural powers.
First Council of the Lateran (1123)
Addressed the investment of bishops and the role of the Holy Roman Emperor.
Second Council of the Lateran (1139)
- Reaffirmed the First Council of the Lateran.
- Addressed clerical discipline, including clerical celibacy and dress.
Third Council of the Lateran (1179)
- Restricted papal elections to the cardinals.
- Condemned simony.
- Introduced minimum ages for ordination (30 years for bishops).
Fourth Council of the Lateran (1215)
- Defined transubstantiation.
- Addressed papal primacy and clerical discipline.
Council of Trent (16th century)
- Condemned what it defined as Protestant heresies.
- Defined Church teachings in areas such as Scripture, Tradition, Original Sin, Justification, Sacraments, and the Eucharist in Holy Mass.
- Specified Catholic doctrine on salvation, the sacraments, and the Biblical canon, countering Protestant disputes.
- Confirmed the privileges of the Franciscan, Dominican, and other orders.
- Outlawed the sale of arms or goods to Muslims.
First Council of Vatican (1869-1870)
Defined the infallibility of the pope when speaking ex cathedra.
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Frequently asked questions
There have been 21 Catholic Ecumenical Councils recognised by the Roman Catholic Church.
An Ecumenical Council is a meeting of bishops and other church authorities to consider and rule on questions of Christian doctrine, administration, and discipline.
The first Catholic Ecumenical Council was the First Council of Nicaea, which took place in 325 AD.
The latest Catholic Ecumenical Council was the First Vatican Council, which took place from 1869-1870.
