Churches Together in Lancashire, in partnership with Blackburn Cathedral, will host an ecumenical conference to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea from 12 to 14 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 keynote speech from Professor Rachel Muers and 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 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.
Saturday seminar topics
- Spirituality, Doctrine and Gen Z – Rt Rev Philip North and Dr Victoria Turner
- Nuts and Bolts of Churches Together – Rev Anton Muller, Rev Tim Norwood and Rev Stephen Cooper
- Honest Disagreement and LLF (Living in Love and Faith) – Rev Dr Christopher Landau and Rev Canon James Lawrence
- The Anglican Settlement – What Holds Us Together? – Rev Canon Dr Philip Hobday and Rev Canon Dr Michael Leyden
- History and Impact of Nicaea – Professor Rachel Muers and Rev Dr Jeremy Morris
- The Filioque Clause “The ‘F’ Word” – Fr Andrew Louth and Sr Margaret Atkins
Venue Details
Blackburn Cathedral is two minutes from the bus interchange and railway station. 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.
For more details and an event brochure, visit the Blackburn Cathedral website.
Book your tickets for the event.
For more on the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea visit our Nicaea 2025 Hub.