Can the Apostles Creed be 'modified'?

[emile2]

Hello and thank you. Well, this is rather mundane, I suppose, but the phrase in the Apostles Creed which says of Jesus that He “suffered under Pontius Pilate” puts a layman’s name in this prayer. Can we just say that He “suffered”, and forget under whom? In mentioning that name, it also directs our attention away from Jesus, if only momentarily. Still I feel it’s better in that prayer to just say that He 'suffered". (Guess this is more an opinion than a question. I’m also not trying to go around changing the Church’s prayers…) Again, thank you.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

For over two thousand years the Church has seen fit to mention Pilate by name–and not be accident. His name gives historical perspective to the Creed. It was through his refusal to stick his neck out that Jesus was crucified.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.