Ecumenical Councils and Papal Authority

This chapter examines the criteria for an ecumenical council, focusing on Lateran 649 and the Seventh Ecumenical Council through the lens of Eastern and Western traditions. It discusses the pivotal role of Rome in theological disputes, particularly regarding the Monothelite controversy and the veneration of images, while also shedding light on the interplay between papal authority and the councils. The dialogue further explores the collaborative nature of church leadership and the necessity of a humble approach to authority, rooted in scriptural teachings.