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A meeting of bishops and theologians to examine matters of morality, ecclesiastic doctrine and discipline in the Catholic Church. There have been 21 Ecumenical Councils in the history of the Church
The First Council of the Church was the Council of Jerusalem, in the year 51, presided over by Saint Peter. At that Council, the Apostles decreed that converts to Christianity were not bound by the rigors of the Judaic custom of the time.
A Council is not considered Ecumenical unless it is confirmed by the Successor of of Saint Peter. Each Council addressed major concerns of its era, many of which affect the life of the faithful of our era.
The shortest council ever held was less than one year while the longest was 18 years, the Council of Trent.
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