Media Release

Udupi, Mar 20: The Nicene Creed is the foundation of faith for Christians, said Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, apostolic administrator of the Udupi diocese. He emphasized that irrespective of belonging to different denominations, professing the same creed reflects unity among Christians.

He was speaking at an ecumenical prayer gathering held on Thursday evening at the UBM Jubilee Memorial Hall in Udupi. The event was jointly organized by the United Basel Mission Church, the Ecumenical Commission of the Udupi diocese, and the All-Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, marking the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed.

Bishop Lobo noted that the church has always stressed the importance of Christian unity. He referred to the Second Vatican Council, which identified the restoration of unity among all Christians as one of its primary concerns. True unity, he said, begins with spiritual transformation and can be achieved through humility, mutual forgiveness, and collective prayer.

Highlighting the diversity in Udupi, he said the region is home to various Christian traditions, where believers not only live together but also pray together, demonstrating unity in diversity.

Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Hemachandra Kumar of the Church of South India, Karnataka Southern diocese, said that the Nicene Creed remains a strong foundation of Christian faith even after 1700 years and continues to inspire unity among believers. He added that regular recitation of the creed in churches strengthens the bond of unity among the faithful.

Fr Rovel Shubhadeep D’Souza, director of Divine Spring Retreat Centre, Goa, and Dr HM Watson, principal of Karnataka Theological College, Balmatta, Mangaluru, delivered lectures on the historical background and spiritual significance of the Nicene Creed.

The programme also featured a devotional song presentation by Fr Santosh, Sister Priya, and team.

Several clergy members, including Fr Leo Praveen, Fr Praveen Maben, Fr Noel Lewis, and Prashanth Jattanna, along with priests, pastors, nuns, and faithful from Roman Catholic, Orthodox, CSI, and UBM Churches, were present.

Fr Santosh welcomed the gathering, Ebenezer Christopher Karkada proposed the vote of thanks, Fr Vijay Harvin led the prayer, and Fr Denis D’Sa compered the programme.