In response to great division and theological disputes in the first three centuries of the church, a council formed to bring unity and agreement over the most essential doctrines of Christianity. One of the creeds that has stood the test of time is the Nicene Creed. This creed became a guiding statement of faith for the Church. We now find ourselves divided over many things – and yet about the most important things we whole-heartedly agree.
In 2025, it will be the 1700th anniversary of the creation of the Nicene Creed. We recognize and celebrate the significance of our shared beliefs across denominations.
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
The reference to "the holy catholic Church" refers to the universal church, not the denomination.
We believe the God of the Universe reveals and defines Himself through His Word. We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, are verbally inspired by God, fully trustworthy and of supreme and final authority in what they say.
We believe Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Everything we do is grounded in the truth of Christ’s life, death and resurrection.
We believe in the universal Church, expressed through local bodies of believers, as the primary means of faithful expression to God.
We believe God is holy, but man rebelled and is separated from God. We believe Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection atoned for sin, and God’s forgiveness can be received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
We believe the Holy Spirit dwells in us, empowering us to live more like Jesus and to witness for Christ. Through the Spirit, we are united as the Church, forming the Body of Christ.
We believe man and woman were created in the image of God and have inherent value.