Udupi Ecumenical Gathering Marks 1,700 Years of the Nicene Creed, Reaffirms Call to Christian Unity

Udupi, March 20, 2026 — In a notable expression of shared faith and ecclesial harmony, Christians from diverse denominations in Udupi gathered on March 19 at the UBM Memorial Hall to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, a foundational profession of belief that continues to unite Christians across traditions.

The ecumenical programme, jointly organised by the UBM Church, Udupi, the diocesan Ecumenical Commission, and the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, brought together clergy, theologians, and lay faithful, highlighting the enduring relevance of a shared creed in fostering unity within the Christian community.

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Udupi, emphasised the central role of the Creed in the life of the Church. He noted that its collective recitation across denominational boundaries remains a powerful sign of unity. Drawing on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, he reiterated that the restoration of Christian unity is a primary concern of the Church. True unity, he said, is rooted in spiritual conversion and sustained through humility, mutual forgiveness, and common prayer. He also pointed to the Christian communities in Udupi as a living example of harmonious coexistence and shared witness.

Bishop Hemachandra Kumar of the Karnataka Southern Diocese of the Church of South India described the Nicene Creed as an enduring foundation of Christian faith. Even after 17 centuries, he observed, the Creed continues to inspire believers towards unity, with its regular recitation strengthening both faith and communal identity.

The gathering also offered intellectual engagement with the historical and theological dimensions of the Creed. Fr. Rovel Shubadeep D’Souza, Director of Divine Spring Retreat Centre, Goa, along with Dr. H. M. Watson, Principal of Karnataka Theological College, Mangaluru, presented scholarly reflections on its origins and continuing spiritual significance.

A hymn presentation by Fr. Santosh, Sr. Priya, and their team enriched the programme, providing a contemplative complement to the theological discussions through music.

Participants included clergy, pastors, religious sisters, and lay faithful representing Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Church of South India (CSI), and UBM traditions. Among those present were Fr. Leo Praveen, Fr. Praveen Maben, Fr. Noel Lewis, and Prashanth Jathanna, underscoring the broad interdenominational participation.

The programme was coordinated with Fr. Santosh delivering the welcome address, Ebenezer Christopher Karkada proposing the vote of thanks, Fr. Vijay Harwin leading the opening prayer, and Fr. Denis D’Souza serving as compere.

As the global Church marks 1,700 years of the Nicene Creed, the Udupi gathering stood as a meaningful reminder that a shared profession of faith continues to serve as a vital bond of unity, encouraging dialogue, reconciliation, and common witness in a diverse Christian landscape.

By Catholic Connect Reporter