Exploring and Celebrating the Nicene Creed

To all clergy and parish leaders throughout the Diocese of Ballarat

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This year is the 1700^th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, which is an important part of our liturgy for a number of our services, in particular for the Eucharist. We encourage you to mark this year by devoting some time to focussing on the creed, both personally and as a congregation. This can be done in a range of ways. Some suggestions from the Ministry Development Committee are given below; you may think of others that are particularly relevant to your own parish.

Marking the 1700^th anniversary of the Nicene Creed

1. 2025 MDC WE BELIEVE (<< Download) is a booklet produced within the diocese, which sets the creed into its historical and spiritual context. You may wish to encourage all church members to read it, and perhaps use it as the basis for discussion groups. Further copies are available from the diocesan office.
2. Give a Nicene Creed focus to one or more of your regular services. Given the nature of this creed, it would be appropriate to do this on Trinity Sunday (15^th June). Some liturgical resources that could be included in such a service will be available from the diocesan office around mid-March.
3. Depending on your local circumstances, you may wish to hold an ecumenical service (perhaps on Trinity Sunday), since the Roman Catholic and Uniting churches (as well as some others) also recognise and utilise the creed.
4. Encourage your congregation to say the creed slowly and reflectively in services. You may find it helpful to pause for a few seconds before the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th sections (each begins with “We believe in …”)
5. On Saturday, 5^th July, between 10.30am and 3 pm, there will be a “Nicene Exploration Day” at the Cathedral Church of Christ the King, in Ballarat. Lunch will be provided. Talks by three speakers will form the basis for what we hope will be wide-ranging discussions.

If you would like further information about these suggestions, or would like to discuss other ways in which your parish might acknowledge this significant year, please make contact with Rev Dr Mark Garner (markwjgarner@gmail.com).

With Christian greetings,

Ministry Development Committee