1700 years on the Nicene Creed is still a powerful statement of belief which we still continue to say at Mass. The Nicene Creed was adopted at the Council of Nicaea (May–July 325 AD).

Learn more at these special local events

Christian churches in the local area are marking this occasion with two special events, to which everyone is invited to share discussion and community:

Event 1 – Ecumenical Dialogue*:

Wednesday 23 July (6:00-9:00 pm) at the Uniting Church (1 Sherwood Rd, Port Macquarie).

Speakers: The Right Reverend Professor Stephen Pickard (Anglican) and Reverend Associate Professor Anthony Gooley (Catholic).

Event 2 – Ecumenical Service:

Sunday 27 July (2.00 pm), St Agnes’ Catholic Church, Hay Street, Port Macquarie.

The Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and Uniting Churches are sponsoring both events.

All are welcome to attend.

*Why is Ecumenical dialogue important?

Deacon Shane Hyland shares why ecumenical dialogue (or conversations between churches) is important:

Ecumenical dialogue is a vital process of cooperative, constructive, and positive interaction between different Christian traditions and denominations. Ecumenical dialogue is not about compromising core beliefs, but rather about seeking to understand, build bridges, and work together where possible, all while striving towards the visible unity that Christians believe God desires for His Church.

The term “ecumenism” originates from the Greek word “oikoumene” (οἰκουμένη), which means “the whole inhabited world”. In its earliest uses, “oikoumene” referred to the Roman Empire and, more broadly, to the known inhabited world. Within Christianity, “ecumenism” signifies the movement or tendency toward worldwide Christian unity or cooperation.

In terms of our ecumenical dialogue on the anniversary of the Nicene creed it is interesting to note that many congregations, including the Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and Uniting, all say the creed in their Sunday worship services. It is helpful for any Christian to understand the creed as it forms the basis of our common beliefs and was the beginning of solidifying an expanding Christianity by codifying what they believed and excluding what was considered heretical.