DI, on the other hand, was composed with two specific intentions in mind. The first reason is to draw attention to the fact that, “despite the divisions which exist among Christians [of different traditions], [the Church of Christ] continues to exist fully only in the Catholic Church, and… that ‘outside of her structure [(i.e. in other Christian denominations)]… [there exist] many elements… of sanctification and truth.’” The Roman Church affirms the belief that Jesus did not just found a community of followers, but that he also established a Church as a means of salvation for the world. (DI, par. 16) Christ promised his disciples that he would not abandon his Church (cf. Mt 16:18; 28:20), but that he would guide and animate it through the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 16:13). Because of these reasons, the Catholic Church sees itself as the “single Church of Christ… [which has been] erected for all ages as the ‘pillar and mainstay of the truth’ (1 Tim 3:15).” The Roman Church, therefore, in DI reaffirms the Second Vatican Council’s teaching (cf. …show more content…
Lumen Gentium, par 8) that the Church of Christ “subsists in… the Catholic Church, [and it is] governed by the Successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him.’” The word “subsists” is meant to convey the notion that the Roman Church is the only Christian church which possesses “the very fullness of grace and