Isabella Carter
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, also known as Lumen Gentium, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. The document was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1964 and approved by the assembled bishops by a vote of 2,151 to 5. The eight chapters of the document cover the nature and historical existence of the church, different roles within it, holiness and religious life, and the saints and Mary. The constitution states that all the just, from Adam and 'from Abel, the just one, to the last of the elect,' will be gathered together with the Father in the universal Church [...] a people made one with the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It also emphasises the importance of the Church for salvation and the role of the apostles in spreading the Kingdom of Christ and of God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature | To reflect upon her nature and limits |
| Historical existence | To reflect upon her history |
| Roles | To reflect upon her functions |
| Holiness | To reflect upon her mission |
| Religious life | To spread the Kingdom of Christ and of God on earth |
| Saints and Mary | To discuss the saints and Mary |
| Ecclesiology | To unite all the just with the Father in the universal Church |
| Collegiality | To strengthen adherence to the doctrine of the First Vatican Council on the primacy |
| Salvation | To teach that the Church is necessary for salvation |
| God's will | To save people as a whole, not just as individuals |
| Covenant | To establish a covenant with the Israelite people |
| Truth | To be "the pillar and mainstay of the truth" |
| Episcopacy | To be governed by the successor of Peter and the Bishops |
| Apostolic succession | To pass on spiritual gifts through the imposition of hands |
| Eucharist | To complete the building up of the body in the Eucharistic sacrifice |
| Liturgy | To unite with the heavenly Church through the sacred liturgy |
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What You'll Learn
The nature and historical existence of the church
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, also known as Lumen gentium, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1964 and consists of eight chapters.
The first two chapters of the document deal with the nature and historical existence of the church. The constitution states that "all the just, from Adam and from Abel, the just one, to the last of the elect, will be gathered together with the Father in the universal Church [...] a people made one with the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." It describes the Church as "the sole Church of Christ which in the Creed is professed as one, holy, catholic and apostolic," and asserts that it was commissioned by Christ after his resurrection to be shepherded by Peter and directed by him and the other apostles with authority.
The second chapter teaches that God wills to save people not as individuals but as a collective. This is why God chose the Israelites as his people and established a covenant with them, which foreshadowed the new covenant in Christ that constitutes the new People of God. The Church, as the Body of Christ on earth, is necessary for salvation. All human beings are called to belong to the Church, and those who refuse to enter or remain in it cannot be saved.
The Dogmatic Constitution also emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist in the Church. Through the Eucharist, the love of God and man is communicated and nourished, and the faithful are gathered together as a "brotherhood of the Body." The celebration of the Eucharist is regulated by the bishop, who presents the cult of the Christian religion to the divine majesty.
The document further highlights the collegiate character of the episcopal order, noting the ancient practice of bishops being in communion with one another and with the Bishop of Rome, as well as the convening of councils to settle profound issues. It also discusses the passing on of spiritual gifts and the office of teaching and governing conferred by episcopal consecration, which can only be exercised in hierarchical communion with the head and members of the college.
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Roles in the church
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, also known as Lumen Gentium, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. It describes the roles in the church as follows:
The Pope and Bishops
The document states that the Pope, or higher authority, along with the bishops, are established for the service of God's people. They are responsible for inquiring into revelations and giving expression to their contents, but they do not admit any new public revelations pertaining to the faith. The Pope and bishops are also referred to as having been given the fullness of the sacrament of Orders, which includes the power of the high priesthood and the supreme power of the sacred ministry.
The Clergy
The clergy, including priests and deacons, are described as the servants of God's people. They are responsible for completing the building up of the body in the Eucharistic sacrifice, which is regulated by the bishop.
The Laity
The laity refers to all the faithful except those in holy orders and those in a religious life specially approved by the Church. They are made one body with Christ through baptism and are sharers in his priestly, prophetical, and kingly functions. They have a principal role in the overall fulfillment of the Church's duty, using their secular training and activity to contribute to the betterment of the world and the spread of Christ's kingdom.
Apostles
The apostles were enriched by Christ with a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and they passed on this spiritual gift to their helpers. They are described as having a role in shepherding the faithful and recognizing their charisms so that all may cooperate in the common undertaking.
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Holiness and religious life
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1964, following approval by the assembled bishops. The document is structured into eight chapters, with chapters five and six dealing with holiness and religious life.
The constitution emphasises the central goal of Catholic life: the call to holiness and charity, mediated through the sacramental life of the church. It highlights the need for a deep inner conversion to Christ, achieved through faithful adherence to the teachings and practices of the church. This includes the sacraments, such as baptism, which unites all believers as the Body of Christ, fostering profound concern for others.
The laity plays a crucial role in bringing holy order to the world. Laypeople are to evangelise through their everyday lives, striving to acquire a profound grasp of revealed truth and living out their faith in love, mercy, humility, and patience. Holiness is facilitated by the grace of God, and it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that the Church proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, offering salvation to all.
Religious life, as described in Chapter Seven, involves a special connection to heaven and the saints, anticipating worship in heaven. Those in religious orders typically take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, freeing themselves to worship God and inspire the world. This dedication to God and neighbour is a path to holiness, following the example of Christ's poverty and humility.
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Saints and Mary
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, or Lumen Gentium, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1964 and addresses the nature and historical existence of the Church, different roles within it, holiness and religious life, and the saints and Mary.
The document affirms the ancient Church practices of remembering the saints and imploring their intercession. It also emphasises the sacred Liturgy, in which the power of the Holy Spirit acts upon the faithful through sacramental signs, anticipating worship in heaven.
The chapter on Mary was the subject of debate. The original plan was to create a separate document about her role, keeping the document on the Church "ecumenical" and non-offensive to Protestant Christians, who view the special veneration of Mary with suspicion. However, the Council Fathers, with the Pope's support, insisted that as Mary's place is within the Church, her treatment should appear within the Constitution. The council's one mention of Mary as "Mediatrix" speaks of her as strengthening – not lessening – confidence in Christ as the one essential Mediator. The council used a biblical approach, emphasising her pilgrimage of faith.
There are four dogmas stating Mary's personal relationship with God and her role in human salvation. The dogma of Divine Motherhood is embedded in texts defining the person and natures of Jesus Christ. The Council of Ephesus in 431 attributed to Mary the title "Mother of God" or "Theotokos" ("Birthgiver of God"). This was against the backdrop of the Council's declaration that Christ had two natures, one divine and one human, but only one person. Mary is thus the Mother of God as she bore the Word of God made flesh. This dogma is generally accepted by all Christian denominations.
The Catholic Church also holds as dogma that Mary was a virgin before, during, and after Christ's birth. This belief stresses the radical novelty of the Incarnation and Mary's dedication to her mission as Christ's mother. Vatican II reiterated this teaching, stating that Christ's birth sanctified Mary's virginal integrity. The dogma of Mary's Immaculate Conception was proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in his Apostolic Constitution "Ineffabilis Deus" in 1854. This dogma declares that Mary was exceptionally holy and in constant union with the Holy Spirit from the beginning. It also states that after her life on earth, she was assumed into heavenly glory by God's power and grace.
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The church's mission
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, or Lumen Gentium, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1964, following approval by the assembled bishops.
The document outlines the Church's mission, which is to proclaim and spread the Kingdom of Christ and of God among all peoples. This mission was entrusted to the Church by Jesus, who, after his death on the cross and resurrection, poured out his Spirit on his disciples, endowing them with the gifts and precepts that would guide the Church's work.
The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to follow in Christ's footsteps of poverty and persecution to communicate the fruits of salvation to humanity. The Church is described as a "pillar and mainstay of truth," with Christ commissioning Peter and the apostles to shepherd, extend, and direct it with authority.
The task of proclaiming the Gospel falls to the body of pastors, who are obliged to work together and with the successor of Peter to spread the Christian name. Bishops, in particular, are to supply workers, spiritual and material aid, and arouse the cooperation of the faithful. They are also to extend fraternal aid to other churches, especially those in need.
Priests, in association with their bishops, make Christ present in local congregations, carrying out their duties with humility and self-sacrifice. They bring the universal Church into their localities and contribute to its growth, always striving for the welfare of God's children and the pastoral work of the diocese and the entire Church.
The Church, as the new People of God, is necessary for salvation. It is a covenant community, uniting all believers in the Spirit, regardless of their fleshly origins. This unity is reflected in the various names given to the Church, such as the "house of God" or the "holy temple." The Church, while on earth, considers herself an exile, seeking the things above and awaiting her appearance in glory with her Spouse, Christ.
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Frequently asked questions
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, also known as Lumen gentium, is one of the principal documents of the Second Vatican Council. It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 21 November 1964 and approved by the assembled bishops with an overwhelming majority.
The document has eight chapters, which can be grouped into four themes: the church's nature and historical existence, different roles in the church, holiness and religious life, and the saints and Mary. The document also discusses the church's mission to proclaim and spread the Kingdom of Christ and of God on earth, the role of the apostles and bishops, and the importance of the Eucharist.
The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church is considered a significant document in the Roman Catholic Church, providing a framework for understanding the nature and role of the church. It is strongly linked with the only other Constitution given the status of 'dogmatic', 'On Revelation'. The document also emphasizes the importance of the church in salvation and reflects on the church's nature, functions, and mission.
