(1 believe) A concise, formal, and authorized statement of important points of Christian faith, such as the historic Apostles, Nicene, and Athenasian Creeds.

Originally, candidates for baptism accepted a short formula of belief which varied in detail in different local churches.

In the ceremony of baptism of children the godparents recite the baptismal creed on behalf of them. Almost in all liturgies and canonical hours, believers recite the creed in a loud voice.