Msgr. Pope on the Catholicity of the Early Church

"The first readings at daily Mass this week recount the Council of Jerusalem, which scholars generally date to around 50 A.D. It was a pivotal moment in the history of the Church, because it would set forth an identity for Her that was independent of the culture of Judaism per se and would open wide the door of inculturation to the Gentiles. This surely had a significant effect on evangelization in the early Church.

"Catholic ecclesiology is evident in this first council in that we have a very Catholic model of how a matter of significant pastoral practice and doctrine is properly dealt with. What we see here is the same model that the Catholic Church has continued to use right up to the present day. In this and all subsequent ecumenical councils, there is a gathering of the bishops, presided over by the Pope, that considers and may even debate a matter. In the event that consensus cannot be reached, the Pope resolves the debate. Once a decision is reached, it is considered binding and a letter is issued to the whole Church.

"All of these elements are seen in this first council of the Church in Jerusalem, although in seminal form. Let's consider this council, beginning with some background."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on some aspects of this first council of the Church and how we have kept this biblical model ever since.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: It Is The Decision of the Holy Spirit and Us - A Teaching on the Catholicity of the Early Church (14 MAY 20)