Which aspect was crucial to the decisions made at the ecumenical councils?

The consensus of bishops was crucial to the decisions made at the ecumenical councils because these gatherings were primarily composed of bishops from various regions of the Christian Church. Ecumenical councils were convened to address significant theological and doctrinal issues, and the bishops, as the leaders of the Church in their respective areas, were seen as the principal authority in interpreting and defining Christian doctrine. Their collective agreement or consensus played a pivotal role in establishing church teachings and resolving conflicts, as it represented a unified voice of the Church leaders on critical matters such as the nature of Christ, the Trinity, and other essential beliefs.

Additionally, the process of reaching consensus among bishops ensured that a variety of perspectives were considered, allowing for a more representative decision-making approach. This was particularly relevant in an era when the Church was establishing itself amidst various heretical teachings and theological disputes. Thus, the consensus of bishops was foundational to the legitimacy and acceptance of the councils' outcomes, reinforcing the idea of a unified Christian belief system.