The Church

The building	The people

When people talk about 'the Church' they are talking about two different things. First and most importantly, the Church is the people of God. This means that the Church is not the buildings or organisation it is the people. It is like saying that a school is best represented by the people in it.

Secondly, when people say that the Church teaches this or that, they are talking about the Church leaders, the Bishops and the Pope. This guiding authority is best called the Magisterium, and it guides people towards decisions about how to live their lives. Ultimately, all people have a responsibility to follow their own conscience.