ecclesiastical councils

Ecclesiastical councils are formal gatherings of church leaders, such as bishops and clergy, to discuss and decide important doctrinal, disciplinary, or organizational issues within a Christian tradition. These councils can be local, regional, or universal, and their decisions help clarify beliefs, resolve conflicts, and guide church practice. They serve as authoritative forums for maintaining unity and doctrinal integrity, often resulting in creeds, statements, or rulings that shape the church’s theological direction. Such councils are integral to how many Christian churches interpret scripture and uphold tradition across generations.