Constance asserts conciliar authority during the Western Schism
About this date: The date belongs to the decree commonly called Haec sancta or Sacrosancta, not to the final election ending the schism in 1417.
The council declares that its authority comes from Christ and requires obedience in matters concerning faith, ending the schism, and reform. The decree becomes a central text in debates about council and papacy.
Historical context
Multiple papal claimants had divided the Latin Church. Constance's immediate task was reunion and reform under exceptional conditions.
Key points
- The text connects authority to the council's stated purposes.
- Its claims include persons holding papal dignity.
- The decree's later interpretation remains disputed.
People
- Council of Constance
Sources and further reading
- Constance: Sacrosancta
Primary conciliar text with a later editorial introduction.