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What we Believe
SCRIPTURE
TRADITION
REASON
YOU MAKE KNOWN TO ME THE PATH OF LIFE; YOU WILL FILL ME WITH JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE, WITH ETERNAL PLEASURES AT YOUR RIGHT HAND.
Psalm 16:11
Who is Jesus
Jesus as God, made Man to Teach and Save Humanity
We believe that by understanding and trusting in the life of Jesus Christ on Earth, we are set free to truly love God and love others.
We believe in Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity, called the Son of God. Jesus walked the earth as middle-eastern Jewish male over 2000 years ago. He was a rabbi, (teacher) who called people to follow him in the Way of Love. Jesus was crucified by Imperial Rome, died, and was buried. After three days, he rose again.
Legacy of Inclusion
As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection set us free to live with hope.
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The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of every race, gender and sexual orientation. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.
Our Core Beliefs
The Bible
“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (Book of Common Prayer, page 236).
The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.
Book of Common Prayer
“It is a most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offense be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire” (Book of Common Prayer, page 9).
The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
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Baptismal Covenant
“Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292).
A mini-catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.
The Catechism
Offered in a question-and-answer format, the catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862) helps teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
The Creeds
“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 851).
Offered in a question-and-answer format, the catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862) helps teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith. The Creeds n the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.
The Sacraments
“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857).
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Besides baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith.
Found in the Book of Common Prayer, these include:
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Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419
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Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452
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Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438
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Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555
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Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467