The year 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the first ecumenical Council of Nicaea, a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. This ecumenical council, which gathered Christian leaders from across regions, cultures, and languages, was a defining event in the development of the Christian faith. At the council, these leaders worked to articulate the church’s core beliefs, codifying them into a creedal form for public affirmationof faith in Christian worship and education.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), along with other world communions and ecclesial bodies, is commemorating this historic event. The term, “commemoration” was preferred over “celebration” to honor this ecumenical endeavor, as a commemoration emphasizes a reflective remembrance of the event, rather than a triumphant celebration of its outcome. In commemorating the Council of Nicaea, we, as part of the global Church, remember and recognize the efforts to bring Christians together. This includes inviting and clarifying thoughts over the relations between Jesus the Son and God the Father and the expression of the Trinity.
However, we also acknowledge the need to continue reviewing and reflecting on the Council, the Creed, and the process of forming and shaping this foundational Christian confession. Lingering issues, such as inclusion of marginalized voices, the filioque clause, and the role of faith in the context of empire, the role of the secular state in church affairs, the use of gendered language to name God, among others, deserve our attention.
The Council of Nicaea, indeed, represents a visible sign of Christian unity, but true unity does not necessitate conformity. Rather, it encourages exploring new perspectives on the complex matters, asking questions, listening to one another, and discerning new meanings together in our world plagued by division and hatred.