The Nicene creed is not the pathway to unity but Nicene theology is.
Final statement of the 35th IICM
Over the past two days, the 35th Irish Inter Church Meeting was held in Dromantine Retreat Centre, Newry. 16 denominations were represented from the Irish Council of Churches alongside fellow bishops, clergy and lay leaders from the Irish Episcopalian Conference. This year, the gathering reflected on the importance of 1700 years of reciting the Nicene Creed and its importance for living faith today.
Rev Dr Liam Fraser, the former convener of the Theological forum of the Church of Scotland talked about the recent decision within the Church of Scotland at their General Assembly in 2025 to incorporate the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed in a new book of confessions. These creeds will be included in the vows taken by ministers and other office holders. This was a significant change from the sole focus on the Westminster Confession of faith. Since 1647, this confession had been recognised as a subordinate standard but since then there has been growing ambiguity concerning what subscription means. Rev Dr Fraser parsed out the desire within the church to return to identifying foundational fundamental doctrines that could be wholeheartedly subscribed to. This recent decision clarified their core identity as catholic and reformed. Yet, despite this intentional decision to affirm the central position of the nicene creed, Fraser drew a distinction between nicene creed and nicene theology.
After interviewing approximately 100 church leaders within his denomination, he noted that whilst 73% believed the creed was somewhat to very important to christian unity, 88% were engaging in ecumenical activity. In analysing this difference, Fraser believed it was important to draw a distinction between the creed and the theology of the creed: the latter is universal but the former is more limited in scope tradition culture and history. Fraser commented: ‘If fellow denominations accept the theology of Nicaea, then some level of cooperation is not only possible because of Nicaea, but it is probably what Jesus wants. Jesus prays John 17, that all his followers would be one, so if we are not one, then the world will not only believe that Jesus was sent by the Father but Jesus makes a close connection between unity and evangelism.’
Within the Irish Inter-Church group who had gathered form across Ireland, it was recognised that there were differences in how the creed was said: some used ‘I believe’ to signify personal affirmation, others used ‘we believe’ to highlight the communal identity and many used both. There was also the painful acknowledgment of how the introduction of the filioque clause as a later addition had caused division.
On the second day of the conference, His Eminence, Archbishop Angaelos the first coptic orthodox Archbishop of London joined us. He gave a stirring and challenging talk on the importance of the first Nicene council as it was a significant moment when the one holy universal apostolic Church was visible. It was a time when there were no denominations and no fractures and it was important to remember this moment and to continue striving towards this unity. He spoke about the importance of advocating for those who were being persecuted for their religious beliefs. He commented that we may disagree on doctrine and belief but if we understand the image and likeness of God in every person, then we need to advocate for those and speak for those who are persecuted even though we disagree with. He spoke movingly about Christians who are still being martyred in Egypt and their resilience in continuing to meet in the same place and encourage young people towards the catechism.
Archbishop Angaelos also spoke of the quiet revival of how young 25-35 year olds are approaching him wanting to learn about the faith and are willing to engage in over 16 months of catechism. The impact of the 21 coptic Christians who were martyred in Libya continues to provide a strong witness of resilience in the Christian faith. These were young ordinary men who strengthened each other in Christ in the midst of dehumanisation and violence. He noted how both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England had recognised the witness of their faith and how this provided a strong witness towards unity. Notwithstanding, His Eminence was clear that even though there is a desire for unity there are differences that need to be acknowledged most particularly in understanding of the sacrament of communion. He talked about how he had incorporated an Anglican practice of blessing into his communion liturgy as a means of showing respect for difference but in an inclusive way.
Other topics covered throughout the two days were: research from Prof Gladys Ganiel and Dr Caoimhe Ni Dhonaill on how the pandemic had affected Church practice, the growing presence of youth in Churches and theological discussions on the content of the Nicene Creed.
Through both these voices as well as a strong panel of theological experts, there was hope that even though it is clear there are differences in how the creed is spoken or sung within our denominations, there continues a strong, pulsing nicene theology that keeps drawing us together. Despite our human limitations and significant personal failings, God still urges us to partner with him in being a witness in this world. Nicene theology keeps orienting us towards the divine and human Jesus Christ who holds all things together. The theme of the deep call to union with the triune God emanating from John 17 was a persistent theme, to be able to pray as Jesus prayed: 'that they may all be one as you Father are in me and I am in you’.
The final call by Archbishop Angaelos was the imperative coming from Cyprian of Carthage ‘unity is the garment of Christ, let us not rend it’.
