What We Believe

The 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, p. 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 are many and diverse, and we come together in Christ through our worship and common prayer. It provides prayers, services, and spiritual guidance for all occasions of life and worship.

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, p. 236

The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. We ground our faith in the Holy Scriptures, informed by the wisdom of Christian tradition and guided by reason: a three-legged stool that provides a balanced approach to understanding God's will. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end; approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.

The Baptismal Covenant

"Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?" Book of Common Prayer, p. 292

Used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the Apostles' Creed and adds five questions about how we are called to live out our faith as Christians. We are called to seek and serve Christ in all persons, respect the dignity of every human being, and strive for justice and peace. This covenant guides our life together.

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). In the two foundational statements of faith (the Apostles' Creed used at baptism and the Nicene Creed 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). We celebrate Baptism and Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) as the two great sacraments of the Gospel. Through these sacred acts, we encounter God's presence and are strengthened in our faith journey.

The church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith, found in the Book of Common Prayer:

• Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying)
• Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop)
• Matrimony (Christian marriage)
• Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession)
• Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows)

The Middle Way (Via Media)

The Episcopal Church embraces the "via media," a middle way between Catholic and Protestant traditions. We value both ancient liturgy and contemporary expression, holding unity in diversity as a core principle.