What type of authority did the Council of Nicaea establish regarding church teachings?

The Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD, was pivotal in establishing a unified orthodoxy within Christianity, particularly in response to the Arian controversy concerning the nature of Christ. This ecumenical council aimed to articulate and affirm a clear set of beliefs, notably through the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which defined the relationship of Christ to God the Father and emphasized the concept of the Trinity. By doing so, the Council sought to create a standardized set of doctrines that would serve as a benchmark for correct Christian teaching and provide a doctrinal foundation to combat heretical views that had arisen.

This established orthodoxy played a crucial role in maintaining theological consistency across the burgeoning Christian communities, effectively unifying them under a common set of beliefs. In contrast to a decentralized approach or allowing multiple interpretations of scripture, the decisions made at Nicaea fostered a centralized doctrine which could be referenced by church leaders and congregations alike. Additionally, while the authority of individual bishops was recognized, it did not undermine the collective decisions made by the council. Rather, the authority rested on the consensus achieved by the gathered bishops and the creed that emerged from their deliberations, marking a significant step towards a more organized and unified church establishment.