Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Infallibility below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope, when speaking ex cathedra on faith or morals, and the college of bishops in union with him, are preserved from error by the Holy Spirit. It holds that this infallibility belongs to the Church's teaching office, not to any person as a private theologian.
Source: CCC 890–891 ↗
The Orthodox Church teaches that infallibility belongs to the Church as a whole — expressed through the consensus of an ecumenical council received by the faithful — not to any single bishop or office. It holds that truth is guarded by the entire body of the Church under the Holy Spirit.
Lutherans teach that no human teacher, council, or church is infallible; Scripture alone is the infallible Word of God. They hold that even the Lutheran Confessions, though a true exposition of Scripture, remain subject to correction by Scripture itself.
The Reformed tradition teaches that Scripture alone is infallible; all synods and councils, since apostolic times, may err and have erred. It holds that church officers and confessions are to be believed only insofar as they agree with the Word of God.
Baptists teach that Scripture alone is totally true and trustworthy, and that no human authority — pope, council, or pastor — is infallible. They hold that every believer and every congregation must test all teaching by the Bible.
Methodists teach that Scripture contains all things necessary to salvation and is the supreme rule of faith and practice. They hold that church teachings, including their own Articles of Religion, are authoritative only as faithful summaries of the Bible.
See how the traditions compare on related topics: