Gospel reading during serviceEpiscopalians sum up their faith in Their Baptismal promises

Baptism, for us, is the beginning of a journey that destroys the distinctions between the sacred and the secular, church and society, this life and the next. It leads us into a fuller relationship with God and with one another. In addition to the beliefs summed up in the Apostle’s Creed, we promise to:

  • continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.
  • persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
  • proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.
  • seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves.
  • strive for justice and peace among all people, and
  • respect the dignity of every human being.

CommunionIt’s a big undertaking! That’s why we promise to keep them with God’s help. Excerpts from “I Am an Episcopalian”

  • As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.
  • The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity.
  • Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church.
  • Holy Communion may be received by all baptized Christians, not only members of the Episcopal Church.
  • We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer.
  • We celebrate our unity in Christ while honoring our differences, always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion.
  • All are welcome to find a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church.

Watch videos about what it means to be an Episcopalian: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/i-am-episcopalian

The best way to know and understand what we believe is come to come personally experience it for yourself!

Other Episcopal Resources:

The Book of Common Prayer is our guide to worship as a community. Just as most churches use hymnals to allow their congregation to sing with one voice, we Episcopalians approach our corporate worship and prayer in the same way. To learn more, view From the Book of Common Prayer, as read by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

The Catechism provides a brief summary of the church’s teaching and is intended to serve as a point of discussion for those who seek to understand the beliefs and practices of the Episcopal Church. It appears in the Book of Common Prayer as an “Outline of the Faith” (pages 845-862) and is presented in a question/answer format. Read/Download pdf