Councils and Presbyters

Just as modern America has groups seeking political and social control earlier periods were no different.

The Donatist question over returning unfaithful presbyters to office was a big decision with far reaching consequences. Especially if you realize the church councils convened by Augustine and others were made up of the Presbyters or those they appointed. Even the Council of Nicea excluded some from ordaining others.

Meletius, it was decided, should remain in his own city ofLycopolis in Egypt, but without exercising authority or the power to ordain new clergy; he was forbidden to go into the environs of the town or to enter another diocese for the purpose of ordaining its subjects. Melitius retained his episcopal title, but the ecclesiastics ordained by him were to receive again the Laying on of hands, the ordinations performed by Meletius being therefore regarded as invalid. Clergy ordained by Meletius were ordered to yield precedence to those ordained by Alexander, and they were not to do anything without the consent of Bishop Alexander.[47] 

It allowed Catholics to change the balance of power and faith by re-appointing former idolaters into voting positions. Since their reappointment was supported by secular Roman government it made them loyal to secular Rome. It also allowed them to exclude the recognition of others.

Also, the council of Nicea only convened about 315 of some 1800 possible delegates, only 1/6 of the church was represented.

Does it call into question these councils, yes in a way it does. How would these councils have unfolded without the appointments? Would some have even sought this route of establishing the faith if they knew they wouldn't win the votes. Would they have had such votes without secular Rome's powers to persuade. What right did they have to call the councils and how could they bind their decisions without secular authority.

If such Presbyters committed idolatry under previous persecution, how would they change under anyone else's persecution. Also, how did they change the overall balance of power in later Councils?

The councils are also important because churches like the Methodist incorporate the council of Nicea into their creed. It is required of all the participants of the confession that they believe in the Council of Nicea. Though there are some truths maintained in the document, there are also several extrabiblical statements.

Yet, Methodists are no where close to the creed anymore in beliefs like baptism. How can they claim the belief but not practice it today?