Ecumenical Unity: ECT's Joint Statement on the Nicene Creed

Reverend Monsignor Thomas G. Guarino has been prominently demonstrating his deep theological expertise for decades. A distinguished Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Monsignor Guarino plays a pivotal role as co-chair of the influential bilateral ecumenical initiative Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT), established in 1994 by Father Richard Neuhaus and Chuck Colson. Over the years, ECT has published statements on a wide variety of topics, addressing crucial philosophical issues. Monsignor Guarino has been a notable signatory of many of these statements, including the most recent “The Pillar and Foundation of Truth,” a comprehensive, seven-page scholarly project examining the Nicene Creed's vernacular.

The First Council of Nicaea adopted the Nicene Creed in A.D. 325. The “four marks” — one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic — were added in A.D. 381. When preparing the group’s most recent statement, the members of ECT engaged in a collaborative discussion, thoughtfully examining the significance of each of the four creedal marks while “seeking to express shared understanding.” The result of this discussion was made available on the website of the esteemed journal First Things on March 25, 2025. Additionally, ECT’s statement was the subject of an article by Tyler Arnold, “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic: Scholars Issue Joint Statement on Marks of the Church,” published on the website of Catholic News Agency on April 8, 2025.

“There’s a great deal that we can say together about the Church [although there is a] long road to travel in terms of complete theological unity,” Monsignor Guarino remarked. Monsignor Guarino’s significant contributions to, and active involvement in, ECT reflect his dedication to fostering dialogue and unity within the Christian faith.

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