AD 451

Council of Chalcedon

The teaching that Christ had only one nature after the incarnation, and the disputed council of 449.

Audio narration

Narration is generated on your device, so no audio files are downloaded.

Location: Chalcedon, opposite Constantinople
Leaders: Emperor Marcian convoked it; the legates of Pope Leo I presided and his Tome was read
Issues discussed: One or two natures in Christ
The jurisdiction of the great sees
Decisions made: Christ is one person in two natures, without confusion or division
Twenty-eight canons, the last of which Rome contested
Historical impact: The christological standard of Catholic, Orthodox and most Protestant churches; the Oriental Orthodox churches rejected the formula and separated.
Original documents: Definition of Chalcedon

Viewpoints compared

Modern dialogues have concluded that much of the division rested on differing uses of the word “nature” rather than opposed faith.