Msgr. Pope on the Council of Jerusalem and Subsequent Church Councils

"In [a recent] first reading at . . . Mass is recounted the Council of Jerusalem, which scholars generally date to around 50 A.D. It was a pivotal moment in the history of the Church, since it would set forth an identity for the Church 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 here 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 in the Church. 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, which 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 these elements are seen in this first council of the Church in Jerusalem, though in seminal form. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the role of Church councils in facing issues before the Church.

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

Msgr. Charles Pope: It is the Decision of the Holy Spirit and Us – On the Council of Jerusalem and the Catholicity of the Early Church (7 MAY 15)