Why was the Council of Vatican II significant for the role of laity in the Church?

The Council of Vatican II was a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church, particularly regarding the role of laity. The correct answer highlights how the council intentionally promoted the active participation of laypeople in church life. This was a significant shift from previous understandings where the lay community often had limited roles in church matters.

Vatican II emphasized the baptismal call to holiness, asserting that all members of the Church, not just the clergy, share in the Church's mission and are called to engage in its life. Documents such as "Lumen Gentium," which articulates the nature of the Church, explicitly recognized the importance of the laity in the mission of the Church. Furthermore, the council encouraged lay involvement not just in worship but also in decision-making processes, social justice initiatives, and the broader life of the Church.

This transformative approach allowed laypeople to see themselves as integral participants in the Church, contributing to its mission and not mere recipients of clerical ministry. Their engagement is seen as essential to a vibrant and responsive Church in the modern world.