In 2025 the Christian world marks 1700 years since church leaders met at Nicaea (Iznik in present day Türkiye) for the first ecumenical council. The Nicene Creed, which we pray every Sunday, sprang from this Council. This Creed was the first universal expression of Christian faith and identity.

The “Nicene Creed: I Believe” is a resource in booklet form, developed by the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Life Team and approved by Bishop Shane Mackinlay. The resource offers a four-part reflection on the Nicene Creed and includes: historical background, insights from Scripture and Christian teachers, everyday life reflections, prayer, and responses to questions that sometimes leave us asking, “Why?”

This resource may be helpful for lifelong Catholics revisiting the deeply held beliefs that shape their lives, RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) participants and the newly baptised, those receiving further Sacraments, young adults and those committed to ecumenical dialogue. Individuals may read and reflect at their own pace, or a small group could meet to share and discuss their reflections on each part of the resource.

Our thanks go to: Lyn Breen (parishioner at St Monica’s Kangaroo Flat in the Cathedral Cluster of Parishes, Bendigo who holds a Master of Theology, Master of Arts (Christian Spirituality) and Graduate Diploma in Ignatian Spirituality) for her work in preparing the text for this resource and, Angela Belt (from the Diocesan Chancery) who designed the graphics and layout.

Dr Chris Cotter
Director, Mission and Pastoral Life
Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst