The authority of the Councils is based also on their ecclesiological grounding. A council is not an independent, autonomous body, additional, coming from outside, acting unilaterally. It is not the product of accidental circumstances in history and imposed afterwards. It is closely or rather organically, related with the very essence of the Church. The body of Christ is a living organism, destined to grow, to face difficulties during this process, to be implanted in other regions of the world needing inculturalization and a certain adaptation.
Such embodiment and multifaceted ministry creates problems, tensions, even divisions and in spite of the good will of the local bishop and pastors, the convocation of a major assembly is considered as a natural instrument, salutary and indispensable.
The official voice of the catholicity and the koimonia of all the sister churches, in harmony and guided by the Spirit, would only provide the new assessments, possible remedies and solutions.
The function of such a council was such that the opinions and requests at issues found expression from the very womb of the Church.
Once the decision was made, the people had a part in receiving it and publicizing it (Acts 15:22) as is seen in the first assembly of Jerusalem.
Metropolitan Emilianos
Courtesy of Holy Myrrh Bearers Church in Swarthmore, Pa.
Authority Of The Councils, Authority Of The Church
