Second Council of Lyon

Why this council matters

Lyon II is central to the history of attempted reunion between Eastern and Western Christians. Its profession of faith and reunion arrangements must be studied alongside the limits of their reception; the announced union did not settle the division permanently.

The council also addressed papal elections and other reforms. Distinguish the doctrinal content of its profession from legal procedure and political negotiation. That distinction helps readers understand both the importance of seeking unity and the difficulty of achieving a union received by the communities involved.

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The constitutions are currently available through an external primary edition.