“At the heart of this year’s ‘We Believe, We Belong?’ conference lies the Nicene Creed – a 1700-year-old ecumenical statement of faith affirmed by Christians across centuries, continents, and denominations – which sought to capture and crystallise what Christians believed about the nature of God and Jesus.”

The creed was produced at a watershed moment in Christianity, both theologically and historically, at a council made up of individuals from all over the world, including Africa and Asia.

– The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary USPG

From 1 to 3 July 2025, USPG welcomed more than 70 delegates and speakers from across the global Anglican Communion to the annual conference. Marking the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, the conference explored how common belief can foster common belonging in a world that has become increasingly polarised.

This year, we were honoured to be joined by two inspiring keynote speakers. The Right Revd Dr Vicentia Kgabe, Bishop of Lesotho, opened the conference by encouraging us that the Church grows stronger when every part is welcomed – inspired by the South African philosophy Ubuntu “I am because we are”.

On day two, we were brilliantly led by The Rt Revd Philip Wright, Bishop of Belize, who reminded us that the Church is a global, colourful community of believers. Like a garden full of different flowers, the Church’s beauty comes from its diversity.

We were also privileged to be joined online by Father Wadie Far, Canon Pastor at St George’s Anglican Cathedral in The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, who deepened our understanding on the power of prayer in his morning Bible studies. Despite living in the middle of an active conflict, he emphasised how being part of one unified body gives hope and strength when circumstances feel overwhelming.

The We Believe, We Belong? conference also featured two panel sessions hosted by The Right Revd Prof David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, and The Revd Canon Dr Peniel Rajkumar, Director of Global Mission USPG. The panellists discussed what the Nicene Creed meant for the Church today and how Christian unity can go hand in hand with the celebration of Christian diversity, and answered some profound questions from delegates in the Q&A.

In addition, all delegates were able to take part in three workshops across the conference, delving deeply into the topics of reparatory justice, interfaith relations and migration. We were delighted to welcome contributions from our partner churches and networks who helped open our eyes to ‘see the world differently’.

The two-and-a-half days brought together a diverse array of individuals from multiple backgrounds and countries. We celebrated out diversity in our morning and evening worship and our closing Eucharist, led by Mother Ariadne van den Hof and Revd Cathrine Ngangira, including songs in languages such as Dutch, Zulu, Shona, German, Spanish, Yoruba and Welsh. We also heard from members of our Communion-Wide Advisory Group on the background, work and challenges facing the Anglican Church in their regions. Click here to meet them.

The conference offered a space for the USPG family to get together and reflect on the nature and practice of belonging in the Church today, and consider how we can bring the Nicene Creed to life in our churches and local communities.

“but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” – Ephesians 4:15-16.

Thank you for coming. We hope to see you again next year!