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Handout #135 |
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The decree Sacrosancta (6 April 1415 A.D.) of the Council of Constance |
| This Holy Synod of Constance, forming a General Council, lawfully assembled in the Holy Spirit to the praise of Almighty God, for the abolition of the present schism, for the union and reform of the Church of God in its head and members, so as to arrive more easily, surely and freely at the union and reform of the Church of God, ordains, defines and declares the following: First, that this same Council, lawfully assembled in the Holy Spirit, constitutes a General Council, representing the Catholic church militant and that therefore it has its authority, immediately from Christ; and that all men, of every rank and condition, including the pope himself is bound to obey it in matters concerning the Faith, the abolition of the schism, and the reformation of the Church of God in its head and members. Quoted in Bettenson, Documents of the Christian Church, P. 135. |
