The Episcopal Church is both a ‘catholic’ and a ‘reformed’ Christian church, having emerged in America from the traditions of the Church of England following the American Revolutionary War in the late 18th century.  We share many elements of the catholic tradition which are found especially in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. We are also reformed in that we embrace many of the protestant understandings of the Christian faith like those of many Lutheran and Methodist churches. The Episcopal Church is also referred to as the Via Media, or the middle way between Catholic and Protestant traditions, holding elements from both to enrich and nourish our faith.

 

The following areas of our church life are general descriptions of how we engage our faith and understanding in the church:

• 1. The Bible as the inspired Word of God is central in our belief and understanding of Christian faith and life.
• 2. The ancient Nicene and Apostles’ creeds are sufficient summary statements of our teaching and beliefs.
• 3. The sacraments of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist (communion) are central in our worship as faithful expressions of Christ’s grace-filled gifts to the world.
• 4. The place of Bishops as our primary source of church leadership in the historic succession dating from the time of the Apostles. Bishops who are elected, and elected lay leadership provide direction and accountability within our national, regional and local church bodies.
• 5. The use of the Book of Common Prayer to model and form our liturgy and worship as we incorporate the richness of our Christian faith and heritage.

 

The Nicene Creed-

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

The Apostles’ Creed -

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.