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‘Athanasius against the world!’ The momentous legacy of the Council of Nicaea explored in Newcastle conference

‘Athanasius against the world!’ The momentous legacy of the Council of Nicaea explored in Newcastle conference
Conrad Mbewe
Jonathan Winch
Jonathan Winch Executive Director of Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
29 January, 2026 2 min read

Seventeen centuries after 318 bishops gathered at Nicaea to confront the attack of Arius on the deity of Christ, delegates from around the world convened in the magnificent All Saints Presbyterian Church in Newcastle upon Tyne for a conference that would explore the legacy of that momentous event.

The 2025 conference of Westminster Seminary UK (held last October) featured speakers including Andy Young, who in his opening address set hearts ablaze with the wonder of Trinitarian worship: only because God is eternally Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can sinners be drawn near, forgiven, and brought into the fellowship of love that has existed from all eternity.

Conrad Mbewe followed, unfolding the glory of the only-begotten Son who is begotten, not made, and moving some to tears at the privilege of praying to the true God who became flesh.

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