The Catechism in Questions & Answers

368. Who established the church?

Jesus Christ established the church. He not only left instructions, but rather also created an institution for imparting salvation, namely His church. It thus has its source in the Son of God who came to the earth and worked among human beings as a human being Himself: He called human beings to follow Him as His disciples, preached, performed miracles, forgave sins, and promised and sent the Holy Spirit. The person and deed of Jesus Christ are fundamental prerequisites for the existence of the church.