In a highly enlightening and spiritually engaging gathering, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) on Tuesday, 1st July 2025, held its 6th National Symposium at the Osu Eben-Ezer Church Hall, reflecting on the enduring significance of the Council of Nicaea, 1700 years after it was convened.
Themed “Reflecting on 1700 Years of the Council of Nicaea: The Response of the Church in Ghana Towards Nation Building,” the symposium sought to educate participants on the origins, theological essence, and national relevance of the Nicene Creed, a cornerstone of Christian orthodoxy.
Journey into the Past: The Creed That Shaped Christianity
The highlight of the symposium was a scholarly presentation by Very Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, the Immediate Past Moderator of the General Assembly of the PCG. Drawing from extensive theological interactions and historical references, he explored the deep roots of the Nicene Creed, revealing rare insights from ancient Christian centers like Antioch, Jerusalem, Cappadocia, Alexandria, and Syria.
Prof. Mante emphasized that the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed are pivotal in defining Christian identity, widely used in sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Ordination, and often recited in worship services.
He unearthed contributions of early church fathers including Theophilus of Antioch, Tertullian, Alexander of Alexandria, Origen, Athanasius, Eusebius of Caesarea, and Photinus, whose theological works shaped the framework of Christian belief.
Constantine’s Legacy and Theological Tensions
Prof. Mante offered a historical sketch of Emperor Constantine (AD 272–337), whose quest for unity in the Roman Empire led to the convocation of the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325. The council sought to address controversies surrounding the divinity of Christ and establish a common date for the celebration of Easter. While initial proposals suggested May 19/20 and June 19/20, the World Council of Churches (WCC) eventually affirmed June 20 as the consensus.
He also explained major theological positions that preceded the Nicene settlement, such as:
- Docetism (asserting Christ was fully divine and only appeared human),
- Monophysitism (one nature in Christ),
- Arianism (denying Christ’s divinity), and
- Nestorianism (claiming Christ as two separate persons—divine and human).
These heresies, he noted, catalyzed the need for a unified creed.
Scriptural foundations for the Creed were also examined, with references to Deuteronomy 6:4, John 1:1, John 10:30, Mark 12:29-30, and others, reinforcing the belief in Christ’s divine nature and unity with the Father.
Participants were guided to recite the 12 traditional articles of the Nicene Creed to deepen understanding and reaffirm faith.
Deconstructing Formalism: A Contemporary Appeal
The second keynote speaker, Fr. Dr. Michael Kodzo Mensah, continued the theological discourse by emphasizing the phrase in the Creed: “We believe in one God, the Creator…” He discussed the Nicaea Kenosis—Christ’s self-emptying love—and called on the Ghanaian Church to move beyond intellectual formalism towards practical community transformation.
He advocated for a living expression of the Creed that impacts daily life and drives national development.
A Gathering of Faith and Fellowship
The symposium drew a broad ecumenical representation, including leaders from:
- The Methodist Church Ghana
- Church of Pentecost
- Evangelical Presbyterian Church
- Anglican Diocese of Accra
- Salvation Army
- Christian Council of Ghana
- Ghana Police Church, Tema Joint Church, and Prisons Interdenominational Church
- Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC)
- Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana
- St. Paul Seminary (Sowutuom) and Trinity Theological Seminary (TTS)
- Students from Special Ministerial Training (SMT) and Presbyterian College of Education (PCE), Akropong-Akuapem who provided choral renditions.
Also present were student representatives from La PRESEC, Legon PRESEC, and Osu PRESEC, alongside members of the Men’s and Women’s Fellowship of the host congregation.
The symposium was chaired by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the General Assembly, with Rev. Enoch Adjei Pobee, Ga West Chairperson, standing in briefly on his behalf.
Key roles were played by Rev. Andrew J.T. Odjawo, National ESR Director, who introduced the speakers, and Rev. Ebenezer Owusu Ahenkan, National Public Relations Officer of PCG, who moderated the session. The vote of thanks was gracefully delivered by Ms. Adjoa Anima Apau, National President of NUPS-G (National Union of Presbyterian Students – Ghana).
A Faith Reawakened for Nation Building
The 6th National Symposium proved to be a theologically rich and spiritually awakening event, drawing the Church’s attention to its historical roots and future responsibilities in nation-building.
As the Church reflects on the 1700-year-old legacy of the Nicene Creed, it is reminded not only of the doctrinal truths that unite believers but also of its mandate to serve as a moral compass and transformative force within Ghanaian society.
By: Miss. Nora Narh Oyortey & Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
