History of Nicene Creed in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 29, 2025

The Nicene Creed is a foundational statement of Christian belief, particularly within Nicene Christianity and denominations adhering to it. It affirms belief in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things. It proclaims Jesus Christ as the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. It details his incarnation, crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, resurrection, and ascension. It also expresses belief in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, and who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified. Furthermore, it affirms belief in one holy catholic and apostolic Church, one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and the expectation of the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

1911: Catholic Encyclopedia on Post-Nicene Creed Formulae

In 1911, the Catholic Encyclopedia stated that soon after the Council of Nicaea, the church composed new formulae of faith, most of them variations of the Nicene Symbol, to address new phases of Arianism.

1970: English Translation of Nicene Creed Published

In 1970, the International Consultation on English Texts (later ELLC) published an English translation of the Nicene Creed, which was later adopted by several churches.

1971: Casimir Kucharek on Filioque in Eastern Catholic Churches

In 1971, Ruthenian scholar Casimir Kucharek noted that in Eastern Catholic Churches, the Filioque may be omitted except when scandal would ensue, with most Eastern Catholic Rites using it at the time.

1971: Roman Catholic Church in the United States adopted the 1971 version

In 1971, The Roman Catholic Church in the United States adopted the International Consultation on English Texts version in 1973.

1971: Revision of English Translation of Nicene Creed

In 1971, the International Consultation on English Texts (later ELLC) published a revision of the English translation of the Nicene Creed.

1973: Roman Catholic Church in the United States Adopts the 1971 version

In 1973, the Roman Catholic Church in the United States adopted the 1971 version of the English translation of the Nicene Creed.

1975: Catholic Church in English-Speaking Countries Adopts the 1975 Version

In 1975, the Catholic Church in other English-speaking countries adopted the 1975 version of the English translation of the Nicene Creed.

1975: Successive Revisions in English Translation of Nicene Creed

In 1975, the International Consultation on English Texts (later ELLC) published successive revisions of the English translation of the Nicene Creed, which was adopted by several churches.

1979: Inclusion in the Episcopal Church (United States) Book of Common Prayer

In 1979, the 1975 version of the Nicene Creed was included in the Episcopal Church (United States) Book of Common Prayer, with a variation omitting the word 'men' in the line "For us men and for our salvation".

1996: Study on the Procession of the Holy Spirit Published

In 1996, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity published "The Greek and the Latin Traditions regarding the Procession of the Holy Spirit", a study focusing on the implications of the difference in overtones of "ἐκπορευόμενον" and "qui [...] procedit".

2011: Version Replaced with Roman Missal Third Edition

In 2011, the 1975 version of the Nicene Creed was replaced with the version in the Roman Missal third edition.

2011: Authoritative English Translation in Catholic Church

In 2011, the Catholic Church adopted the current authoritative English translation of the Nicene Creed. This translation was done by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy.