Resolution on the Adoption of the 3 Ecumenical Creeds

WHEREAS our faith is based on the Christology and Gospel definition of the Nicene Creed; and

WHEREAS the Athanasian Creed echoes the teaching of Nicene Creed, and clarifies it; and

WHEREAS the Apostles Creed also echoes the teaching of the Nicene Creed, and simplifies it; and

WHEREAS the Fathers of the Church catholic, the formularies of the Anglican expression of the Church, and the pioneers of the Methodist practice within the Church, all affirmed the truths put forth in these Creeds; and

WHEREAS these are an accurate expression of the Faith of the United Methodist Church, and of all Christians; and

WHEREAS the Nicene and Apostles’ creeds are included in the United Methodist Hymnal

BE IT RESOLVED that the 3 ecumenical creeds be expressly affirmed by the Annual Conference; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that every local church, in the Sunday service, ought to recite one of these at least once a month; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Athanasian Creed, in saying that “one cannot be saved without believing it firmly and faithfully,” ought to be understood as condemning a rejection of it, but not condemning ignorance of it; that is, one cannot be saved while rejecting the teaching of the creed, but may still be saved while misunderstanding the creed.