Filioque clause

The Filioque clause is a phrase added to the Nicene Creed that states the Holy Spirit proceeds from "the Father and the Son." Originally, the creed said the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. This addition became a point of theological disagreement between the Eastern Orthodox and Western (Roman Catholic) Churches. The Western Church believed this clarified the relationship within the Trinity, while the Eastern Church saw it as a change to an important doctrinal statement without proper ecumenical approval, contributing to a broader split in Christian traditions.