Interview
What did you take away from your involvement with the e-course on Nicaea?
Rev. Joy Abdul-Mohan: Participating in the e-course on Nicaea was an exceptionally enriching and inspiring journey of faith, offering a deep dive into Christian doctrine and the complexities faced by believers in an age of diverse and sometimes questionable teachings. For many, including myself, the Apostles’ Creed served as an introduction to the essentials of Christian belief. However, I found the Apostles’ Creed to be less explicit theologically when compared to the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed stands out for its detailed affirmation of core Christian truths, especially regarding the full divinity of Jesus and the Holy Spirit as integral components of the Godhead.
Understanding the reception of Christian doctrine helped me recognize that it is more than just the formal adoption of creeds or statements of faith. Instead, it is an ongoing theological process that unfolds through dialogue, interpretation, worship, and the lived experiences of diverse communities. Even though the Council of Nicaea in 325 reached a majority consensus, it did not result in complete theological uniformity. As one presenter noted, the creed was sometimes perceived as a political mandate rather than a theological consensus.
Our ongoing challenge is to approach the creed not as a finished product, but as a foundational step in a continuing process of theological growth. It is a confession of shared faith, one that does not demand absolute uniformity but encourages further reflection, conversation, and unity in diversity.
In what ways do you confess the creed “forward,” or make it relevant to your current spiritual life?
Rev. Joy Abdul-Mohan: As a young adult, reciting the Nicene Creed often seemed like a mere ritual in worship. Over time, however, it gained profound meaning for me and deeply shaped my understanding of the Triune God as a living reality. Now, living out the creed involves approaching it with renewed faith and recognizing its relevance in a multi-religious, multiracial, and multicultural world.
In today’s pluralistic context—where xenophobia threatens to erode the unity of the church, community, and society, and where migrants and refugees, particularly children, may be denied basic rights such as education—the church’s affirmation of Christ as both fully human and fully divine stands as a challenge to any hierarchy that undermines human dignity or perpetuates injustice. The church is called to be a “risk taker,” standing in solidarity with the marginalized and disenfranchised, and recognizing that affirming Christ’s identity brings both responsibilities and challenges.
Thus, the creed should be understood as a “living confession,” one that remains continually relevant and dynamic, rather than merely a static doctrinal relic.
How can churches continue the ecumenical dialogue on Nicaea?
Rev. Joy Abdul-Mohan: Despite the divisions that persist within the church, the Nicene Creed remains a vital instrument for fostering unity among Christians. It serves both as a “shared symbol and doctrinal anchor,” continuing to be one of the most widely embraced ecumenical statements of Christian faith. The creed articulates central beliefs about the doctrine of the Trinity and the personhood of God: God as Father and Creator, Christ the Son who redeems, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies.
As various speakers have emphasized, “Unity does not require uniformity… but can be an instrument of mutual recognition, a framework for dialogue, and a witness to tradition.”
The history of Nicaea offers important lessons on achieving unity amid diversity, particularly in a world that is often divided and hesitant to engage with differing perspectives.The legacy of Nicaea inspires ongoing theological dialogue and ecumenical engagement, empowering communities and individuals at the margins with the assurance that God in Christ, through the Holy Spirit, remains truly present and relatable in every circumstance.
The Nicene Creed makes it possible to forge unity across theological, cultural, and ecclesiastical boundaries, and encourages the development of a “mission rebound or reverse mission” model. In this approach, diaspora communities from the Global South share their lived faith in the Triune God with the Global North, fostering a rich fusion of cultural and ecumenical experiences.
The church is called to “make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” a unity that must be upheld throughout the process if it is ever to be fully realized. The creed can serve as a guide for the universal church, fostering mutual responsibility by encouraging attentive listening to diverse voices—especially those on the margins—and promoting active participation in service and mission, to bring fullness of life to all people.
In the 21st century, I believe the Nicene Creed remains a relevant and effective tool for unity, bearing witness to an enduring faith in the Triune God, whose love prevails even amid many differences.
