With the creation of the creed , a precedent was established for subsequent ` general ( ecumenical ) councils of Bishops ' ( Synods ) to create statements of belief and church law . The purpose was to define unity of beliefs for the whole of Christendom . With the creation of the creed , a precedent was established for subsequent general ( ecumenical ) councils of Bishops ( Synods ) to create statements of belief and canons of doctrinal orthodoxyâ '' the intent being to define unity of beliefs for the whole of Christendom .