Definition

Proper noun A council of the Roman Catholic Church, recognized as the second in a series of ecumenical councils held at the Lateran Palace in Rome. It was convened in 1139 by Pope Innocent II. Its primary historical significance was its condemnation of the theological teachings of Arnold of Brescia and its efforts to resolve a papal schism.

Usage

The term "Second Lateran Council" is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to this historical ecclesiastical event. It is always capitalized.

Examples

• Historians note that the Second Lateran Council reaffirmed clerical celibacy.
• The canons issued by the Second Lateran Council were intended to reform church discipline.
• A key outcome of the Second Lateran Council was the condemnation of Arnold of Brescia's errors.

Advanced Usage

• In scholarly context: The council is often cited in discussions of medieval church history and the development of canon law.
  • The decrees of the Second Lateran Council influenced ecclesiastical governance for centuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Lateran Council: The general term for any of the five ecumenical councils held in the Lateran Palace.
• Council of Trent: Another significant, but later, council of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Ecumenical council: A formal assembly of bishops convened to discuss and settle matters of Church doctrine and practice.

Synonyms

• Lateran II (A common abbreviated form used in academic writing).
• The Council of 1139 (A descriptive synonym referencing its year).

Notes on Meaning

This term refers exclusively to a single historical event. It does not have idiomatic or figurative meanings in modern English. Its use is almost entirely confined to historical, theological, or religious studies contexts.

Noun

1. the second council of the Western Church in 1139 which put an end to the dogmatic errors of Arnold of Brescia