A call to support 318 WOMEN to gather in 2025 to review the Christian notion of God and the Creed, 1,700 years after 318 MEN met in Nicaea to do the same. Let us be transformed!
By Jamie Coats
- In the year 325, a single man, the Roman Emperor Constantine I, a convert to Christianity, summoned delegates from throughout the Roman Empire to decide on the “correct” belief of the Christian Church. These men–318, according to some historians– met as a Council in Nicaea starting on June 19th. They defined the Godhead as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and created the original Nicene Creed.
We believe it will be wonderful and inspiring for 318 women to gather in 2025 and declare how they view the Godhead and the “correct” belief of the Christian Church. - Men – can we be quiet for a moment, pause, breathe and listen? For nearly 1,700 years God has been predominantly defined in the Christian context by the men of Nicaea. Can we, men, be supportive to listen to the voices of our sisters?
As men, we join in pledging not to obstruct, but to support without strings and provide funds for the Council of 318 women. We do not expect to participate, and will be bold enough to listen, support, and wait to learn what happens. - Women – so many sisters have been silenced. Before a new council, please ask women all over the world, and anyone who does not identify as male, to meet to read the gospels and reflect and comment on the power of the gospels.
As women, we will support and provide funds for the Council of 318 women; we will encourage women to read the gospels and reflect on why Jesus was so adored by the women of his time. - Dear 318 women: We do not know how you will organize yourselves, but please engage with men afterwards and help them understand how you define the Godhead and the creed we need.
We, the undersigned, look forward to learning what the 318 women discern, and will share their news widely to inform the deepening of our faith.
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