From time to time I will use this space to try to answer questions or respond to issues concerning the church that I have been asked about by members of the congregation. The first of these attempts is in response to a member who does not like the inclusion of the Nicene Creed in our liturgy, both because of its theology and because it “feels like it is a pledge of allegiance”.

Let me begin by saying that this person is not alone in her concerns. There are a growing number of Episcopalians, both clergy and lay, who are becoming increasingly vocal about their belief that the Nicene Creed should be removed from the order of worship, or its use at least made optional for Sundays and Feast Days, (as it already is for weekday services).  The most often stated reason for omitting the Nicene Creed from required use is that it is archaic, and requires the profession of a number of beliefs that many committed church members find both untenable and unnecessary, including the doctrines of the “virgin birth”, and the physical resurrection and ascension of Jesus. 

The creed feels like a “pledge” because that’s what it was meant to be. When it was created by the Council of Nicaea in about 350 CE, it was clearly intended to be a Christian “pledge of allegiance”. It was an attempt to establish what the beliefs of the “true church” were to be, and distinguish it from sects and beliefs systems that were then deemed “heretical”. The creed therefore became the “litmus test” of Christian legitimacy. Those who would not “pledge” the creed were labeled as heretics, and in a number of instances even killed for their refusal.  

The Emperor Constantine established the Council of Nicaea shortly after converting to Christianity and making it the official religion of the Roman Empire. His agenda in doing so was to solidify his authority over this growing religious sect which had, in the past, defied governmental intimidation. The Nicene Creed, under his watchful eye, came to serve also as a pledge of loyalty to the Roman emperor who had commissioned its creation.  A Roman citizen’s refusal to adopt the creed was tantamount to declaring his or her disloyalty to the emperor.  This unfortunate and co-opting political legacy continues to be felt and wield power whenever the boundaries between church and state become blurred, as has occurred repeatedly in recent years. Peace,Fr. Hank+