This is a statement of faith that is the only ecumenical creed accepted as authoritative by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and almost all mainline Protestant churches. The creed was most likely issued by the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, hence the more accurate term for it is the “Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.” What is called the “Filioque clause” in the section on the Holy Spirit was added later (about the sixth century) as a part of the creed of the Western Church (i.e., Roman Catholic). This phrase attributes the origin of the Holy Spirit to the Son as much as to the Father. To this day, Eastern Orthodox churches reject the clause because they consider it erroneous, and an unauthorized addition to a previously agreed upon document.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being [homoousian] with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven by the power of the Holy Spirit.
He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated on the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Amen.

Pin It on Pinterest