HONG KONG (SE): The Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD, marked a pivotal moment in Christian history by addressing crucial theological disputes and establishing the foundational Nicene Creed. To commemorate the council’s 1700th anniversary, a roundtable forum convened in Hong Kong. Leaders from various Christian traditions gathered to reflect on the council’s enduring significance in contemporary Christian worship, teaching, and community life.
Organised by the Task Force on Theological Exchange, which was jointly established by the Hong Kong Christian Council and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, the forum is also supported by the Divinity School of Chung Chi College at the Chinese University of Hong Kong with the Institute for Sino-Christian Studies, serving as a co-organiser.
Notable participants included His Holiness Mar Awa III of the Assyrian Church of the East, Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, vicar general of the Diocese of Hong Kong, Reverend Wong Ka Fai, secretary general of the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China [HKCCCC], and Reverend Regina Chan Kit-ling of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong. The Coptic Orthodox Church contributed to the discussion through a video presentation. His Eminence Nektarios Tsilis of the Orthodox Metropolitanate was unable to attend due to health concerns
Mar Awa provided insights into the unique acceptance of the Nicene Creed within the Assyrian tradition in 410AD. He highlighted the significant challenges posed by translating the Creed into Syriac, including the need to render Greek philosophical terminology and understanding into a language digestible by the Church of the East, as well as the need for ongoing theological engagement to ensure that the essence of the Creed is accessible to all believers.
He elaborated on the Creed’s origins as a response by Emperor Constantine to the Arian heresy, which denied Christ’s full divinity, saying that a similar challenge persists today, as many view Christ merely as a human teacher while neglecting his divine nature. He stressed that acknowledging Christ as both “true God and true man” is central to the Nicene faith and vital for salvation, presenting a challenge for churches to proclaim this relevance in today’s world.
For through the Creed, we are also looking to the future. The Roman Catholic Church sees this anniversary as an opportunity to renew catechesis of the fundamentals of Christian belief,
Father Chan
Father Chan further emphasised the pivotal role of the Nicene Creed within Roman Catholic life, detailing its significance in liturgical practices, theological formation, and fostering community unity. He shared insights on the Creed’s enduring theological legacy, particularly its Christological and Trinitarian doctrines, which are essential for ecclesiastical governance and unity. He illustrated the Creed’s contemporary relevance, noting that its precise language helps address modern doctrinal issues.
“For through the Creed, we are also looking to the future. The Roman Catholic Church sees this anniversary as an opportunity to renew catechesis of the fundamentals of Christian belief, a moment to strengthen ecumenical relationships rooted in our shared heritage, and a call to reaffirm the importance of doctrinal clarity in an age of religious pluralism.”
He also pointed out the interpretative challenges posed by the ancient language of the Creed, acknowledging the specific tensions created with the Eastern Orthodox Church over the filioque [Latin, meaning “and from the son”] clause added in the late 6th century to the description of the procession of the Holy Spirit. “This invites us to engage in respectful dialogue, seeking unity without compromising theological interpretation,” he said.
Reverend Wong discussed the significance of the Nicene Creed within the HKCCCC, noting its vital role in worship, teaching, and community experience. He asserted that while the Apostles’ Creed is often recited in services, the Nicene Creed offers a precise summary of core Christian doctrines, particularly regarding Christ’s dual nature. “Its historical and theological depth serves as a foundation for contemporary challenges, fostering unity across denominations,” he said.
… the Apostles’ Creed is often recited in services, the Nicene Creed offers a precise summary of core Christian doctrines, particularly regarding Christ’s dual nature
On the other hand, Reverend Chan highlighted the Nicene Creed’s importance in shaping Lutheran traditions, outlining three key aspects. Firstly, the Creed establishes foundational relationships between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, articulating the divine essence that underpins the Book of Concord. Secondly, it profoundly influences Lutheran liturgy, reiterating God’s presence in worship and sacraments. Lastly, she stressed the need for ongoing education about the Creed to ensure it remains relevant and meaningful within the Church community.
Focusing on the ecumenical dialogue surrounding the filioque clause, Reverend Chan detailed the 40-year dialogue involving the Lutheran World Federation and the Orthodox Church, culminating in a significant joint statement on the filioque in May 2024 in which both traditions affirm the full divinity and personhood of the Holy Spirit, though the Lutherans and Orthodox express it in different ways.
She concluded that authentic ecumenical dialogue requires a thorough understanding of one’s own tradition while remaining receptive to the insights of others, serving as a living witness to faith.
Firstly, the Creed establishes foundational relationships between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, articulating the divine essence that underpins the Book of Concord. Secondly, it profoundly influences Lutheran liturgy, reiterating God’s presence in worship and sacraments. Lastly, she stressed the need for ongoing education about the Creed to ensure it remains relevant and meaningful within the Church community
The Coptic Church, in its video, presented by Father Matthew of New York, addressed the council’s essential role in countering Arianism.
Celebrating the council’s legacy, he noted that it involved 318 bishops affirming Christ’s equality with God the Father in essence and nature.
He lauded St. Athanasius, who later became the 20th Pope of Alexandria, for his leadership in articulating the Nicene Creed, emphasising the importance of the Holy Trinity. The council also established canons that continue to shape Coptic worship and teaching, reaffirming the unity of God the Father and the Son as central tenets of the faith.
An ecumenical prayer meeting, officiated by Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming of the Anglican Church, was then held at the chapel of the Divinity School of Chung Chi College. Church leaders joined together to pray for unity under the guidance of the Spirit and expressed gratitude to God for the Nicene Creed, which unites various Christian denominations.
