Feb 13, 2025

Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., associate professor of Theology and Franciscan Studies and director of the Franciscan Institute, presented a paper to the Greater Olean Association of Churches on Feb. 2.

The event was a celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Christian Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325-2025). The gathering was held at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany and was attended by clergy and members of various Christian denominations in the Olean-Allegany area as part of the World Council of Churches “Prayer for Christian Unity” service.

In his talk, titled “He was crucified under Pontius Pilate: Ecumenical Trust and Suffering Love at the Council of Nicaea,” Couturier reflected on the fact that only two other names appear in the common creed that Christians pray: Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Pilate, the Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to death.

Couturier reflected on the theological significance of the determination of council bishops to keep alive the memory of what Pilate did for generations to come.