Our Creeds

A Creed, is a ‘Profession of faith’, a statement of commitment and of what is believed. The word, Creed, comes from the Latin, “Credo” meaning “I believe”. The Creed tells the Christian story and presents a view of the world and destiny based on this story. It answers questions such as; Where do we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? The Athanasian Creed, very rarely used in the Roman Catholic Church (sometimes on Trinity Sunday), is still valid and respected. It is also called the Quicumque vult, after its first words in Latin. This beautiful creed contains a detailed meditation on the nature of the Trinity. St. Teresa of Avila recounts a meditation on this creed as follows: "Once, when I was reciting the Quicúmque vult, I was shown so clearly how it was possible for there to be One God alone and Three Persons, that it caused me both amazement and much comfort. It was of the greatest help in teaching me to know more of the greatness of God and of his marvels." Every Sunday we profess the Apostles Creed which has been in existence (at least orally) since the first-century Christians began to share their faith. It was what new converts would recite before their first baptism to show that they understood the crucial story, unity, and themes of the Christian faith. We had the Creed long before we had a canonised Bible. Another common creed is the Nicene Creed which originated from the first two Church ecumenical Councils in 325 and 381. This creed follows basically the same structure as the Apostles’ Creed. But it also expands the description of the life and work of Christ, explicitly stating that his mission was “for us and for our salvation.” Let the creed be like a mirror for you. Look at yourself in it to see whether you really believe all that you claim to believe. And rejoice every day in your faith. St Augustine