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Parishioner Rachel Tearle reports on an Anglican–Catholic collaboration in Ipswich to mark 1700 years of the Nicene Creed.
On the weekend of 14–15 June, Christians in Ipswich came together to mark the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed — a foundational statement of Christian faith that has united believers across the centuries.
The weekend was hosted by Revd Tom Mumford, Vicar of Ipswich Minster, and Fr Luke Goymour, Catholic Rural Dean of Ipswich, whose joint efforts offered a powerful witness to the shared faith and unity between Anglicans and Catholics.
Revd Tom and Fr Luke — long-time friends with a deep commitment to ecumenism — developed the idea through a series of informal conversations and joint prayer services held earlier in the year. Recognising the anniversary as a moment of significance, they saw in it a unique opportunity for theological reflection and interdenominational dialogue.
Affectionately termed “fireside chats”, their discussions focused on the Nicene Creed, first adopted at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Together, they explored how this ancient declaration of faith continues to speak to the Church today, encouraging a renewed understanding of Christian doctrine and unity.
The weekend was thoughtfully structured over two days, combining theological insight, discussion, and worship.
Saturday 14 June – St Mark’s Catholic Church
The first gathering took place at 7pm at St Mark’s Catholic Church, Ipswich. Fr Luke opened the evening with a reflection on the creed, followed by a roundtable discussion and Q&A session with both clergy. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, drawing a diverse group of Christians from across the town. The evening concluded with Compline — a peaceful and contemplative night prayer.
Sunday 15 June – Ipswich Minster (St Mary-le-Tower)
The celebration continued the next afternoon with Choral Evensong at Ipswich Minster, beginning at 3.30pm. Once again, Fr Luke and Revd Tom led a thoughtful discussion and answered questions from attendees. The event concluded with light refreshments, allowing time for conversation and fellowship.
Both sessions were well-attended and deeply appreciated, with many participants commenting on the spirit of openness and collaboration that characterised the weekend. Attendees described gaining fresh insights into the creed, along with a deeper appreciation for the unity that can be found in shared faith.
Revd Tom and Fr Luke’s friendship and mutual respect modelled the kind of cooperation essential to ecumenical work. Their dialogue — rooted in theological depth and pastoral sensitivity — demonstrated how shared initiatives can nurture spiritual growth and bring communities closer together.
As Ipswich continues to grow as a centre for ecumenical dialogue, this celebration stood as a testament to the continuing relevance of the Nicene Creed. Its enduring words call Christians to stand together in faith, seeking understanding and unity despite differences in tradition.
The weekend’s events were not only a commemoration of a historic milestone but a hopeful step forward in the life of the Church in Ipswich. In a world often marked by division, the Nicene Creed remains a powerful reminder of what unites us in Christ.
Photos courtesy of Ian Tearle.
