About the Conference

The Nicene Creed was forged on a fourth-century anvil in the heat of controversy. Ever since that time, it has served as both an instrument for Christian catechesis and a resource for ecumenical dialogue. Its Trinitarian confession has become the most universal symbol of our common Christian faith in all the world—despite its revision in the late sixth century by Western church leaders, a revision that contributed to the church’s Great Schism in 1054.

To mark the 1700th anniversary of the first great ecumenical council, the Council of Nicaea (325), we will gather to discuss the transmission of classical Christianity in the twenty-first century. Most Christians today know little of Nicaea and its Trinitarian doctrine. Those who do know a little about the Nicene Creed are divided over which of its versions should be used. So we’ll gather to explore both the status and potential of our Nicene heritage for handing on the faith in communion with the saints across denominational lines.

We will ask about the degree to which the Nicene Creed can be used to help Orthodox, Catholics, and Protestants live into the oneness we profess in the Creed. We will also investigate what Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant instructors can learn from one another as they seek to use our Nicene legacy to grow us to maturity in Christ.

Just what is the status of our Nicene heritage around the world today? What promise does it hold for helping Christians grow in unity? Should a literal affirmation of the Nicene Creed (edition of 381) and the real presence of Christ in the eucharistic meal suffice for the sharing of communion across confessions?  How are we to witness to and inculcate an orthodox, Nicene faith in a media-driven age? 

Come and join us as we work on these questions and others in a spirit of evangelical catholicity.

Speakers

Confirmed keynote speakers include: Matthew Levering (Mundelein Seminary); Marcus Plested (Marquette University); and Kevin Vanhoozer (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School).

Confirmed panelists include: Father Gregory Edwards (Orthodox; Dean, Holy Trinity + Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Birmingham); Archbishop Joseph Marino (Apostolic Nuncio and President Emeritus, Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Member of the Dicastery for Evangelization); Bishop Glenda Curry (Protestant; Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Alabama); Collin Hansen (Protestant; Vice President for Content and Editor in Chief, The Gospel Coalition); Sarah Gronberg (Social Media and Website Coordinator, Holy Trinity + Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Birmingham); Professor Timothy George (Beeson Divinity School); Professor Michael Root (Catholic University of America).

More Details to be Announced

Save January 12-14 on your calendar! More information regarding conference speakers, conference schedule, and registration is to be announced.