What Do Episcopalians Believe?
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 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 the services of daily Morning and daily Evening Prayer that may be used both at church and in private devotions. It can be found in the Book of Common Prayer.
The Nicene Creed was written in the year 325 by early bishops meeting in Nicaea (modern-day Turkey). It is a statement which summarizes the Christian faith and is said in unison during services of 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 also one we share with others in this community of faith. The Creeds clearly state the beliefs of the Church, and we recite them as we join with those around us in the process of discovering our own relationship with God. So it is not easy 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, Reason, Tradition
In the Episcopal Church, we are called to live out our faith on a daily basis, whether we are at home, school, work or recreation. The cornerstones of our faith are Scripture, tradition and reason.
Scripture
What do Episcopalians believe about 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.
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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.
Reason
What part does reason play in the way Episcopalians believe?
Each one of us, with God’s help, 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 to the fullest. The gifts of reason, as a complement to Scripture and tradition, leads us to seek answers to our own questions and to grow spiritually.
Being active in a community of faith strengthens us to carry our faith into the world. Weaving Scripture, tradition and reason together, we strengthen our faith and grow as Children of God.
Tradition
What role does tradition play?
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 community of faith. As in a multi-textured tapestry, each person’s offering is woven into the life of the whole making it stronger and more beautiful.
Book of Common Prayer
What is the Book of Common Prayer?
The Book of Common Prayer is our guide to worship and devotion. Scripture is the foundation of our worship and two-thirds of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Old and New Testaments.
Our current Book of Common Prayer, revised in 1979, was originally compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, in 1549. There are more than 70 million Anglicans (Episcopalians) in 163 countries throughout the world, using a Book of Common Prayer in their own language, reflecting our diversity and ethnic backgrounds.
The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of ancient and modern prayers and worship services for occasions when the community gathers and for individual use as well. It allows everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion. It is a guidebook for daily Christian living.
Common
Why call it “Common” Prayer?
Common does not mean ordinary. These are the prayers we say together or “in common” when we worship as a community.
Personal Devotions
Can the Book of Common Prayer be used in personal devotions?
Yes, in private daily prayers or with family, prayers in the morning and evening, special prayers of praise or thanksgiving, requests for others, and for special occasions. All 150 Psalms, or poems from the Old Testament are contained in the Book of Common Prayer and can be read at any time. A calendar for reading through the entire Bible every two years, as well as an outline of the Episcopal faith and Church history, is also included.
Individual Prayer
Can I make up my own prayers?
The Book of Common Prayer is meant to complement daily individual prayers, not replace them. Every service in the book includes time for personal prayer requests, either silent or aloud. Prayers from your heart and mind and of your own words and thoughts are the most important prayers.
The Book of Common Prayer has been a source of comfort, joy and inspiration, a unique treasure in Christian worship for more than 400 years.