Page:A Catechism on the Thirty nine Articles.pdf/68

62 No; some have been composed of bishops representing only portions of the Church. But the Article means all which were at that time commonly considered general.

How is the subject of general councils connected with the previous Article?

Because, until the Church was separated into East and West, she exercised her power in ordaining rites and ceremonies and her authority in controversies of faith, by means of general councils.

What difficulty is there in procuring the assembling of general councils?

They "may not be gathered together without the commandment and will of princes."

Why not?

Because the bishops are the subjects of princes, and may not place themselves under the influence and power of foreign princes and foreign churches, without the consent of their own prince.

Have general councils been usually summoned by the commandment and will of princes?

All councils having any title to be considered representative bodies for the universal Church have been so assembled.

What difficulty is there as to the authority of general councils in deciding controversies of faith?

That "they may err and sometimes have erred in things pertaining to God."

What reason is assigned for this in the Article?