We believe there is One God who creates all things, redeems us from sin and death, and renews us as the Children of God. As Episcopalians, we promise to follow Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. We believe the mission of our church is the restoration of all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
Creeds
The Apostles’ Creed dates from the early years of the Christian Church and was used as a statement of faith at Baptism. The Apostles’ Creed is included in daily Morning and Evening Prayer services that may be used at church and in private devotions. It can be found in the Book of Common Prayer.
The Nicene Creed was written in 325 by early bishops meeting in Nicaea (modern-day Turkey). It is a statement that summarizes the Christian faith and is said in unison during services of the Holy Eucharist (the reenactment of the Lord’s Supper).
Do I have to believe everything in the creeds?
Relationship with God is a personal journey and one we share with others in this faith community. The Creeds clearly state the beliefs of the Church, and we recite them as we join with those around us in discovering our relationship with God. So it is difficult to answer this question “yes” or “no.” It is important that we take part with fellow seekers in this lifelong journey. Most Episcopalians are comfortable with the realities of modern science and our ever-expanding knowledge of history while accepting the theological truths of the Creeds and Scripture. These truths tell us that God is the Creator, that we matter, and that God cares.
Scripture, Tradition, and Reason
In the Episcopal Church, we are called to live out our faith daily, whether at home, school, work, or recreation. The cornerstones of our faith are Scripture, tradition, and reason.
Scripture
Scripture is the word of God contained in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The 39 books of the Old Testament contain the story of God’s love from the time of Creation to the birth of His son, Jesus Christ. The books contain God’s laws as He gave them to the Hebrew people.
The New Oxford Annotated Bible is the most widely used study Bible in schools, colleges, seminaries, and universities across the nation. It is an indispensable tool for people who desire a modern translation combined with outstanding study help.
The New Testament contains Christ’s teachings, the accounts of His life as told by His followers, and the beginning of the Church. It is written in 27 books. Within an Episcopal worship service, Scripture is read in the lessons, the Gospel (the teachings of Jesus), the Psalms (poems from the Old Testament), and other prayers.
Tradition
We are not Christians in isolation but are part of a living faith that spans 2000 years. Tradition is the embodiment of our experience as Christians throughout the centuries. The heart of our tradition is expressed through the Bible, the Creeds, the Sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism and the ordained ministry passed on by Christ to His Church.
Our tradition is expressed with many voices, among which are a variety of worship styles, languages, cultures, architecture, and music. Our tradition encourages this diversity. We seek to value the life and story each person brings to the faith community. As in a multi-textured tapestry, each person’s offering is woven into the life of the whole making it stronger and more beautiful.
Reason
With God’s help, each of us makes a decision about how we use tradition and Scripture in our lives. A personal relationship with God allows us to realize and celebrate our lives fully. As a complement to Scripture and tradition, the gifts of reason lead us to seek answers to our own questions and grow spiritually.
Being active in a community of faith strengthens us to carry our faith into the world. We strengthen our faith and grow as Children of God by weaving Scripture, tradition, and reason.