The communion of saints

the long version

The author traces the development of the doctrine of the Communion of Saints from the time of its inclusion in the Apostles' Creed, through the explanations given in the early Middle Ages and, later, by the Scholastic theologians, to the meaning accepted today. Communication among believers on earth (the Church Militant), relationship between heaven (the Church Triumphant) and purgatory (the Church Suffering), and Christ's role as Visible Head of the Church are subjects of this detailed study of the many aspects of this important teaching.