Council of Constance

Why this council matters

Constance is indispensable for understanding the Western Schism: several rival claimants divided Latin Christian allegiance, and the election of Martin V formed part of the resolution. The council also considered reform and judged teachings associated with Wycliffe and Hus.

Its history raises difficult questions about conciliar authority, papal legitimacy and the status of particular acts. Do not infer that every statement made during its proceedings has identical authority or unqualified Catholic reception. Read the documents with their dates, circumstances and confirmation history.

Read and investigate

The acts are currently available through an external primary edition.