Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia - Universal; embracing all;
wide-extending. - Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; free
from prejudice; liberal; possessing a mind that appreciates all
truth, or a spirit that appreciates all that is good. - In
theology: Originally, intended for all parts of the inhabited
world; not confined to one nation, like the Jewish religion, but
fitted to include members of all human races: applied to the
Christian religion and church. - Constituting, conforming to, or
in harmony with the visible church, which extended throughout
the whole Roman empire and adjacent countries, possessed a
common organization and a system of intercommunion, and
regulated dispnted questions by ecumenical councils, as
distinguished from local sects, whether heretical or simply
schismatic, but especially from those which did not accept the
decrees of ecumenical councils: as, the Catholic Church; the
Catholic faith. In this sense it is regularly applied to the
ancient historical church, its faith and orga