Lahore, April 11, 2025
The Church of Pakistan (United), in collaboration with Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), hosted a landmark one-day seminar titled “The Confession of the Council of Nicaea: History and Theology” at Sinclair Hall, FCCU. The event marked the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325–2025), a pivotal moment in Christian history.
The seminar was chaired by The Most Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall, Moderator/President Bishop of the Church of Pakistan, and brought together a diverse gathering of church leaders, clergy, scholars, students, and members of the laity. Dr. Jonathan Addleton, Rector of FCCU, warmly welcomed distinguished bishops, clergy, and students, expressing his appreciation for this significant and historic collaboration. The event was jointly coordinated by Dr. Robert Wetmore and Rev. Shahzad Gill along with Mr Youshaib Matthew, Rev Sharoon Mall and Mr Zenas Massey whose efforts ensured the smooth organization of the seminar.
The keynote address, delivered in Urdu by the esteemed Monsignor Dr. Michael Nazir-Ali, offered a profound and engaging exploration of the theological and historical significance of the Nicene Confession. His address highlighted the enduring relevance of the Nicene Creed, especially in the South Asian context, and its foundational role in shaping Christian doctrine.
A dynamic question-and-answer session followed, moderated by Msgr. Dr. Nazir-Ali and Dr. Wetmore, during which attendees engaged in thoughtful dialogue, seeking clarity on doctrinal matters and reflecting on the contemporary relevance of the Creed. The seminar also benefited from the participation of FCCU faculty, including Dr. Kenneth Pervaiz and members of the Department of Theological Education.
The event brought together leaders from various Christian traditions. Notable attendees included Vicar General Rev. Fr. Asif Sardar of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lahore, Rev. Dr. Majid Abel from the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, Mr Samuel Payara, Chairman IMRF, Mr Emmanuel Parvez, Mr Khurram Iqbal from Karachi Diocese, Mr Zaheer Abbas, Coordinator Church of Pakistan and other honored clergy members such as Rev. Irshad John, Rev. Samuel Barkat, Rev. Emmanuel S. Khokhar, and clergy from the Diocese of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan. Also present were students and faculty from Lahore College of Theology and bishops from across the Church of Pakistan: Bishop Leo Roderick Paul, Bishop of Multan Diocese, Bishop Fredrick John, Bishop of Karachi Diocese, Bishop. Aleem Anwar, Bishop of Faisalabad Diocese, Bishop Mano Rumal Shah, Bishop Emeritus of Peshawar Diocese
The Most Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall also offered historical reflections, highlighting the discovery of the Taxila Cross near the ancient ruins of Sirkap in 1935, as a testament to the deep and enduring Christian heritage of the region.
We give thanks to God for the success of this historic seminar and pray for His continued guidance and blessings upon all who participated. May the legacy of the Council of Nicaea continue to inspire unity, deepen faith, and uphold sound doctrine throughout the Church in Pakistan and beyond.
