Defending Christ: Celebrating 1700 Years of Nicaea

October 3, 2025 - October 4, 2025

TBA

Redeemer University

Two of the creeds of the Ancient Church—the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed—are without a doubt the most influential non-biblical texts in the history of Christianity. This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea that produced what would in time be known as the Nicene Creed. This creed re-affirmed the heart of the Christian Faith as laid down throughout the New Testament Scriptures, namely, that, in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth not only was the salvation of human beings accomplished but he was, in fact, “one in being” with God the Father. This conference will explore the historical context and meaning of this all-important affirmation of biblical truth as well as its legacy in church history and its implications for our life together as Christians today. Do plan on joining us for what will be both a rich time of learning and a celebration of this central confession of the Christian faith.

This two-day conference is hosted by the Albert M. Wolters Centre for Christian Scholarship at Redeemer University in partnership with the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies, the Reformed House of Studies at Wycliffe College, the Evangelical Theological Society Ontario and Quebec regional meeting and the Centre for Patristics and Early Christianity at McMaster Divinity College.

Registration will open in late May. The cost for the full two-day event is $90 for general attendees and $50 for students. Registration to attend on Saturday only is $60 for general attendees and $35 for students.

Proposal Submission

The organizers of the conference warmly invite proposals from students (undergraduate/graduate) and academics for 15-minute papers on all aspects of the Council of Nicaea. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025.

Topics of interest might include but are not limited to:

  • Nicaea itself: historical and theological explorations of the council of Nicaea
  • Implications for Nicaea today: what difference does Nicaea make for us today?
  • The road to Nicaea: scriptural and historical precursors to Nicaea
  • The theology of Nicaea
  • Legacy of Nicaea across church history

Submit a Proposal