The phrase "the filioque" became a significant point of contention at which council?

The phrase "the filioque," which translates to "and the Son," refers to a theological clause added to the Nicene Creed that asserts the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. This addition sparked significant debate and became a focal point of contention between Western and Eastern Christianity.

The Council of Toledo, held in the 6th century, was central to the formal acceptance of the filioque in Western theology. At this council, the Western Church affirmed the addition of this phrase to the Creed, reflecting its theological position on the relationship of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. This move was pivotal, as it created a lasting division, contributing to the theological rift between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The other councils mentioned, while they dealt with major theological issues in Christianity, either predated significant discussions on the filioque or focused on different doctrinal matters. The Council of Nicea established foundational Christological beliefs, the Council of Trent was concerned with counter-reformation issues, and the Council of Chalcedon primarily addressed the nature of Christ. None directly tackled the filioque as a primary controversy. Thus, the Council of Toledo is the key context in which this phrase became a significant point of contention