Position · 1215

Transubstantiation

The teaching that at the consecration the whole substance of the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christ, while the appearances of bread and wine remain.

The term was used by the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215. Thomas Aquinas gave the classic explanation, using Aristotle’s distinction between substance and accidents. The Council of Trent reaffirmed it in 1551 against the Reformers. Sacramental Union, Spiritual Presence and Memorialism each rejected it in different ways.