the-council-of-nicaea-1700th-anniversary-conference

Council of Nicaea 1700th Anniversary Conference

Blackburn Cathedral, in partnership with Churches Together, is honoured to host an Ecumenical conference to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea from 12 - 14th September 2025.

Blackburn Cathedral, in partnership with Churches Together, is honoured to host an Ecumenical conference to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea from 12 - 14th September 2025.

The event brings together theologians, ecumenical leaders and local participants to engage in meaningful conversations about unity, respectful disagreement and how faith communities can respond to conflict in the world today.

The conference will explore how the principles of honest disagreement and loving engagement can help address the challenges we face - with both passion and compassion - and reflect on the enduring legacy of Nicaea.

Conference overview

The conference begins on Friday evening with a panel examining the Nicene Creed, featuring insights from leading theologians and ecumenists.

Saturday will offer opportunities for in-depth dialogue, networking and a series of seminars, culminating in an ecumenical service at the Cathedral.

On Sunday morning, the Cathedral Eucharist at 10.30am will include a sermon from The Canon Dr Jeremy Morris, National Adviser for Ecumenical Relations, Church of England.

This weekend will highlight the vital role of ecumenism in today’s world. Christians are called to “pursue all that makes for peace” – not by avoiding disagreement, but by engaging with difficult issues faithfully and lovingly.

Guest speakers

The conference will hear from the following esteemed guest speakers:

 

Additional speakers include:

•    Revd Tim Norwood
•    Revd Dr Christopher Landau
•    Fr Andrew Louth
•    Revd Steven Cooper
•    Major Ian Mountford
•    Sr Margaret Atkins
•    Revd Anton Müller
•    Revd Canon James Lawrence
•    Revd Canon Dr Michael Leyden
•    Revd Canon Dr Philip Hobday

  

Seminar topics

Philip North & Victoria Turner
Spirituality, Doctrine and Gen Z
Anton Muller, Tim Norwood & Stephen Cooper
Nuts and Bolts of Churches Together
Christopher Landau & James Lawrence
Honest Disagreement and LLF
Philip Hobday & Michael Leyden
The Anglican Settlement - What Holds Us Together?
Rachel Muers & Jeremy Morris
History and Impact of Nicaea
Andrew Louth & Margaret Atkins
The Filioque Clause “The ‘F’ Word”

Schedule: Friday 12th September

Doors Open
6.30pm
Welcome Drinks & Canapés
7pm
Keynote Address: Prof Rachel Muers - ‘Nicaea Then and Now’
7.30pm
Interval & Refreshments
8pm
Address Responses and Q&A
8.20pm
Finish
9pm

Schedule: Saturday 13th September

Doors Open
9am
Welcome & Morning Prayer
9.20am
Seminars: Session One
9.45am
Interval & Refreshments
10.30am
Seminars: Session Two
11.15am
Lunch
12pm
Eccumenical Service (1hr)
1pm
Evening Prayer (optional)
4pm

Conference packages

All Inclusive: Full Conference Package
£30
Friday Only: With Refreshments
£22
Saturday Only: With Pre-Paid Lunch
£12
Saturday Only: Without Lunch
£0

Book tickets

As shown above, there are four ticket options with the All Inclusive Full Conference Package offering the best value.

This discounted ticket covers entry to every session across both days and includes all refreshments and a pre-paid lunch on Saturday too.

Irrespective of which day(s) you attend and which package you select, all attendees must register in advance – including for free Saturday tickets.

Venue information

  • Blackburn Cathedral is 2 minutes from the bus interchange and railway station.
  • Please note that there is no onsite parking however there are a number of public car parks close by.
  • Although there are some old, uneven surfaces and care should be taken, the Cathedral is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly.
  • There is level access into and around the building – learn more about accessibility at Blackburn Cathedral.
  • For further venue details, please – plan your visit.

Please note

All details are correct at time of publication. Please note that conference content, speakers and timings are subject to change and may vary from those listed. For the latest information please visit blackburncathedral.com/nicaea

Where ticket links are provided, Blackburn Cathedral cannot be held responsible for the content of, or transactions that take place on, external websites. Ticket purchases may feature individual, additional terms and conditions and attract booking fees in addition to the ticket price.

To find out more, please contact

James Lawrence
Canon Missioner 01254 845305 [email protected]
James Lawrence Canon Missioner at Blackburn Cathedral
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