Term

Council of Nicaea

The first ecumenical council, held in 325, summoned by Constantine to address church disunity, the Arian controversy, and the drafting of a statement of belief.

Filed underHistorical TheologyChurch History

Definition

The first of the ecumenical councils of the church. Emperor Constantine summoned the leaders of the church, who met at Nicaea in 325. According to tradition, there were 318 bishops present. Constantine implored the Council to rid the church of disunity. The Arian controversy and the drafting of an authoritative statement of belief were the major subjects of the Council's deliberations.

Connections

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Narrower than: Ecumenical CouncilTerm
See also: First Council of ConstantinopleTerm

Sources

1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 599Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 599.

Last revised August 14, 2026