The Twentieth Century

Major Documents of Vatican II

Comparison with Vatican I

• Vatican I: Resist changes brought by modernity, assert central authority of church
• Vatican II: Embrace changes brought by modernity, more openness to laity and outsiders

Document on the church

• Before: emphasis on “the church” is the Vatican, Pope, Bishops (mediation)
• After: emphasis on “the church” is community of all those called by God (communion)

Document on other Christian denominations

• Before: dangerous heretics
• After: God works through other Christian churches too

Document on other religions

• Before: other religions are wrong, error has no rights
• After: (some) truth and holiness can be found in other religions, respect for all truth-seekers

More documents: on this world, on the liturgy, on the laity, on governments, on scripture, on priests and nuns