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**How have Councils been important in the Church? | Year 7 Catholic RE Lesson – KS3
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This fully resourced Year 7 lesson explores the importance of Church councils—like the Council of Jerusalem and the First Council of Nicaea—and how they have helped shape and protect Catholic beliefs over time. Part of the Dialogue and Encounter unit, the lesson supports pupils in understanding how Church leaders work together to respond to challenges and guide the global Church in faith and morals.

Aligned with the KS3 Religious Education Directory (RED) and Source & Summit, the lesson explains how councils continue to unite Catholics around the world and define key teachings, like the belief that Jesus is truly God.

Designed for pupils with a reading age of around 10, the lesson uses simplified explanations, key vocabulary definitions (e.g. ‘dogma’, ‘ecumenical council’), and corrects misconceptions (e.g. the Pope always decides everything alone).

The lesson includes clear timelines, real-life examples, and engaging comprehension questions that help pupils reflect on why councils are still relevant and how they keep the Church united in belief.

Ideal for Catholic RE teachers looking for an inclusive, accessible, and thought-provoking lesson that brings Church history to life through real decision-making, unity, and shared faith.

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