Conciliarism

Definition

Conciliarism is a reform movement within the Catholic Church that emerged in the late Middle Ages, advocating for the authority of church councils over the pope. This idea was fueled by ongoing disputes over papal authority and the need for reform, leading to a belief that church councils could effectively address issues of governance, doctrine, and corruption within the Church hierarchy. The movement gained particular significance during times of crisis, such as during the Avignon Papacy and the Great Schism, highlighting the tension between papal supremacy and collective church authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conciliarism emerged as a response to perceived corruption and ineffectiveness in the papacy during the late Middle Ages.
2. The Council of Constance (1414-1418) was pivotal for conciliarism, as it asserted the superiority of church councils in addressing church disputes and reaffirmed this principle by electing a new pope.
3. Conciliarists argued that a general council of the Church had the authority to make decisions that could challenge or even depose a sitting pope if necessary.
4. The idea of conciliarism conflicted with traditional views of papal supremacy, creating lasting debates about governance within the Catholic Church.
5. Although conciliarism saw some success in councils like Constance, it ultimately lost momentum as the papacy reasserted its authority in subsequent decades.

Review Questions

• How did conciliarism challenge traditional views of papal authority during its emergence?
  • Conciliarism challenged traditional views of papal authority by promoting the idea that church councils could hold more power than the pope, especially in addressing issues like corruption and governance. This movement arose in response to crises such as the Avignon Papacy and the Great Schism, which highlighted the need for reform within the Church. By advocating for collective decision-making through councils, conciliarists questioned whether a single individual could possess ultimate authority without accountability.
• Discuss the role of the Council of Constance in advancing the principles of conciliarism and its impact on papal authority.
  • The Council of Constance played a crucial role in advancing conciliarism by affirming that church councils could address major disputes within the Church. It resolved the Great Schism by electing Pope Martin V, which not only restored a singular papacy but also demonstrated that councils could challenge or depose popes. This council set a precedent for future discussions on papal authority versus collective church governance, leading to ongoing tensions between these two perspectives.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of conciliarism on Catholic Church governance and its relevance to modern discussions about authority within religious institutions.
  • The long-term implications of conciliarism on Catholic Church governance include an enduring dialogue about the balance of power between papal authority and collective church decision-making. Although conciliarism lost traction after its initial successes, it laid foundational ideas for later movements that sought reform and accountability within church structures. In modern discussions about authority within religious institutions, elements of conciliarism resonate as communities continue to grapple with issues of governance, representation, and accountability in faith leadership.

Related terms

Papal Supremacy: The doctrine that the pope holds ultimate authority over all aspects of the Catholic Church, including governance, doctrine, and moral teaching.

Council of Constance: A significant ecumenical council held from 1414 to 1418 that aimed to resolve the Great Schism and is known for affirming conciliarism by electing Pope Martin V.

Great Schism: The period from 1378 to 1417 during which multiple individuals claimed to be the legitimate pope, leading to a major crisis in papal authority and legitimacy.