Study Day: Consubstantial with the Father: Creed, Church, and Constantine

On Saturday 7th June 2025 at Gidea Park Catholic Church, to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea, and of the Nicene Creed, Dr Ken Carleton, deacon of the diocese of Brentwood, who has a doctorate in Church History, and lectures at St Mary’s College, Oscott, gave a presentation entitled ‘Consubstantial with the Father: Creed, Church and Constantine’. Dr Ken set the context of the early centuries of Christianity, and the turmoil in the Roman Empire of both East and West. It was the emperor Constantine who, in 325, summoned this first council of the universal church. The central problem to be addressed was raised by the teaching of the priest Arius, who maintained that the Son of God was not God. There was a time when he was not. He was not of one being with the Father. Opposition to this heretical teaching was led by Athanasius of Alexandria, who would subsequently become patriarch. Despite achieving an acceptable expression of Christian faith, (only two Council Fathers of more than two hundred voted against), the issue was not brought to a close, and Arianism continued to enlist support for centuries.

Dr Ken explored how the doctrine about Christ and about the Trinity developed further, and how the role of a council was refined. This was a wide-ranging and fascinating presentation.

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'Proclaim the Word' Talk 2: 'A richer table of God's word'

In the second talk in the series ‘Proclaim the Word’, entitled ‘A richer table of God’s word’, Fr Adrian Graffy explained how after the Second Vatican Council readings from all parts of the Bible were arranged so that more abundant provision of Sacred Scripture is available to all at Mass.

The talk was given on Wednesday 2nd April at the Catholic Church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park, RM2 6DH.

Professor Federico Giuntoli (Pontifical Biblical Institute) writes:

In this illuminating session, Fr Adrian explores the profound changes brought by Vatican II to our experience of Scripture at Mass, offering clear and insightful explanations of the structure of the liturgical year, the design of the lectionary, and the thoughtful selection of readings that nourish the faithful Sunday after Sunday.

Whether you are a Reader seeking to deepen your understanding, or anyone who desires to appreciate more fully how the Word of God shapes our liturgical life, this talk is an invaluable resource.

Discover how the richness of Scripture unfolds across the liturgical seasons, and how even the silences between readings can speak to the heart.

Take this opportunity to deepen your engagement with the Word of God and to appreciate the beauty and wisdom of the Church’s liturgy.

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