DE Schleiermacher considered the Christian Church and the communion of believers as one. Schleiermacher's theory was that there is an inner and outer communion. Inward fellowship includes sanctified believers while outward fellowship includes those preparing for sanctification. As the born-again members move towards the circle of inner brotherhood, it grows. Likewise, Ludwig von Hertling wrote that “The church is a community in which the members share the common life of the Trinity or the common life of believers.” Like Schleiermacher, Hertling's theory had two characteristics. In his opinion, there is a vertical communion between the believer and God and a horizontal communion between individual believers. Furthermore, Leonard Boff described the local Church as a community founded on common faith. However, he added, “the community is united in the pursuit of social goals of liberation.” Furthermore, the Second Vatican Council described the Church as “the community of faith, hope and charity, where God communicates truth and grace to all. At the same time, the Council defines the local Church as "That portion of the people of God, which is entrusted to a bishop to be