The Incarnation itself is a major reason why the Church encourages the use of [[icon]]s. Defenders of the veneration of the holy icons, led by Saints [[John of Damascus|John Damascene]] and [[Theodore the Studite|Theodore Studion]], claimed that the central point of the Christian faith is that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" and that "we have beheld His glory" (Jn 1:14). The [[Seventh Ecumenical Council]], held in [[NicaeaNicea]] in 787, officially declared that the faith is to be proclaimed "in words and images." Icons safeguard the doctrine of the Incarnation.