Which body safeguards, interprets, and authentically proposes Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition?

• A. The Magisterium
• B. The laity
• C. The local parish
• D. Ecclesiastical courts

Answer: (A)

The Church’s teaching authority is responsible for safeguarding, interpreting, and authentically proposing divine revelation. Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition form one deposit of faith entrusted to the Church, and the Magisterium—the Pope and bishops in communion with him—has the mandate to protect that deposit from error, interpret its meanings in light of the whole revelation, and proclaim its truths to the faithful as binding guidance. While the laity, local parishes, and ecclesiastical courts contribute to Church life in important ways, they do not carry the authoritative role of defining and presenting the Church’s essential beliefs for all believers.