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The Ecumenical Councils

Clicking on the Council site will take you to a full discussion of that council from St. Michael's Depot.

Year
Location
Central Accomplishment
325
 Nicaea Trinitarian formula: The Nicene Creed
381
 Constantinople Apollinarianism (Christ was human body with divine mind) condemned
431
 Ephesus Nestorianism (denial that Mary was "God-bearer) condemned
451
 Chalcedon Eutychianism condemned; Trinitarian definition: Christ is one in two natures, without confusion, change, division or separation.
553
 Constantinople Affirmed the "two-natures" doctrine, but insisted on "one incarnate nature". As "God was born" according to 431 Council, so also "God died".
681
 Constantinople Brought closure to the debate on the nature of Jesus Christ and the Trinity
787
 Nicaea Because God had become incarnate, icons were held to be not only allowed but essential to expression of faith.
1215
 Fourth Lateran Council Doctrine of transubstantiation established
1439
 Florence Seven sacraments officially recognized
1546
 Trent Counter-reformation: Protestant movements condemned; Scripture and Church authority declared equal
1870
 Vatican Infallibility of the Pope (when speaking ex cathedra) established
1962-65
 Vatican Mass to be celebrated in language of the people; ecumenical dialogue welcomed

 

Only the first seven councils above were fully ecumenical. After 1049 the Church was divided into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. In 1520 the Church in the West was further divided when Martin Luther was excommunicated. The Councils following these events involved only Roman Catholic bishops and theologians.