At the Council, the Roman Catholic Church deems that annual confession is mandatory for church patrons, who are instructed to confess their sins: both what they have actually done as well as everything they thought about doing. This marks a cultural shift whereby the Church can surveil not only the public actions of its congregants but also their private lives.

The council also requires Jewish people to wear something to distinguish themselves. These items can include specific badges, pieces of cloth, hats, or robes. The arguments that take place as part of this Council refer to the hidden danger of Jewish people, who are seen as "the enemy within," as they are a people who cannot be discerned by phenotype (skin, shape of face/body) from Christians.