The document adopts the traditional distinction made by Catholic theologians, according to which it is claimed that the church as an institution is holy and preserved from error by God, while its members, who are sinners, are the guilty parties for any evils perpetrated.
See dokument kinnitab katoliku teoloogide traditsioonilist seisukohta, et kirik kui institutsioon on püha ja et Jumal kaitseb seda eksimuste eest, ent kõiges selles kurjas, mida korda saadetakse, on süüdi selle liikmed, kes on patused.