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This study examines the identity and role of the Catholic Church as civitas Dei through an analysis of Augustine of Hippo’s political philosophy and its relevance to the pastoral response of the Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia (KWI) toward Indonesia’s socio-political dynamics in 2025. The research departs from the problem of how the Church should position itself amid political polarization, violent demonstrations, and violations of human dignity that marked the national context. It aims to (1) explain Augustine’s concept of civitas Dei and civitas terrena, (2) formulate the Church’s identity as a moral-spiritual community oriented toward God, and (3) analyze the relevance of this framework for the Church’s prophetic and pastoral engagement in Indonesia. This study employs a qualitative method with a literature review approach, drawing from Augustine’s De Civitate Dei, Church documents, and the official pastoral statement of KWI, complemented by relevant theological and socio-political sources. The findings show that Augustine’s distinction between the two cities is not merely institutional but based on the orientation of love: love of God that generates justice and service, versus self-love that leads to domination and injustice. Within this framework, the Church in Indonesia actualizes civitas Dei through solidarity with victims, ethical criticism of power, and active participation in promoting peace and the common good. KWI’s pastoral statement embodies this prophetic stance by advocating nonviolence, human dignity, and social justice. In conclusion, Augustine’s political theology remains normatively relevant for guiding the Church’s mission as a transformative moral force in contemporary public life.

This article examines the theological thought of Saint Cyprian of Carthage, one of the third-century Church Fathers, within the context of the Church’s situation in his time, which was marked by profound struggles of faith, particularly the experience of persecution. The focus of the discussion is directed toward the historical and pastoral conditions that shaped Cyprian’s views on the unity of the Church, episcopal authority, and the validity of the sacrament of baptism. Accordingly, this article raises several key questions: What historical background formed Cyprian’s thinking on these three concepts? What were the central ideas he developed regarding ecclesial unity, episcopal authority, and baptism? And how are his ideas relevant to the Church’s teaching, especially in light of the Second Vatican Council? Using a historical and hermeneutical approach, this article traces Cyprian’s life background as well as his pastoral-theological responses to the concrete situations faced by Christians in his time. In the context of the post-persecution crisis, Cyprian played a significant role in addressing internal divisions within the Church, particularly debates concerning the readmission of the lapsi (those who had apostatized). From these struggles, it becomes evident how Cyprian firmly articulated the role of bishops as successors of the apostles and emphasized the sacrament of baptism as the legitimate gateway into ecclesial communion. Based on the historical background of Cyprian’s thought and these three central themes, the article then examines the contribution of Cyprian’s theology to the teachings of the Church as formulated in the Second Vatican Council. Thus, Cyprian’s thought is understood not only as a foundation of early ecclesiology, but also as a living source of faith reflection that remains relevant for the contemporary Church in responding to the dynamics and challenges of the modern age Keywords: Cyprian of Carthage, ecclesiology, unity of the Church, episcopal authority, sacrament of baptism, Second Vatican Council.