Sacred Tradition is the universal and unbroken transmission of doctrine and practice from the apostles to the present day (CCC 80). This Tradition is distinct from local traditions that have developed over time within various churches, which may be modified or retained under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium.

Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture are two distinct modes of transmission that communicate with each other and move toward the same goal, coming together to form one thing (CCC 80). Both Scripture and Tradition serve to make the mystery of Christ present and fruitful in the Church, reflecting the promise of Christ to remain with his own always, until the close of the age (CCC 81).

The Church’s certainty regarding revealed truths is derived from both Scripture and Tradition, and as such, both must be accepted and honored with equal reverence (CCC 82). This dual foundation is essential to the nature of God’s revelation (cf. Matthew 11:27, John 1:14, 17, 14:6, 17:1-3, 2 Corinthians 3:16, 4:6, Ephesians 1:3-14).