We should begin by noting that this word — “iglesia” in Spanish, like “église” in French or “chiesa” in Italian — is taken from the Greek “ekklēsía.” It comes from the Old Testament and means the assembly of the people of Israel, gathered by God, and particularly the model assembly at the foot of Sinai.

Now this word alludes to the new community of believers in Christ who know themselves to be the assembly of God, the new gathering of all peoples by God and before him. The term “ekklēsía” only appears in the writings of Paul, who is the first author of a Christian writing.