What Does it Mean to Be An Episcopalian?
In The Episcopal Church, and as part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, we share in the catholic (meaning universal and authentic) faith held by the Apostles and passed down through the centuries. While we hold this faith dear, we are also of the reformed tradition which began in Europe and England in the 16th century. We live simultaneously in two great expressions of the Christian faith: catholic and reformed. In the Episcopal/Anglican (meaning of the English) tradition we try to live by the via media, the "middle way," always seeking to reconcile different ways of thinking, while holding on to that which is of the greatest value.
In the sacrament of Holy Baptism we express our beliefs and make promises about how we will live. At baptism, we say . . .
We Believe . . . In one God, in Trinity of Persons and Unity of Being, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as revealed through the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and as expressed by the Nicene and Apostle's Creeds.
We Affirm . . . Our commitment to Jesus Christ as our Savior. We put our whole trust in his grace and love. We promise to obey him as our Lord.
We Renounce . . . Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God; the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God; and all sinful desires that draw us from the love of God.
We Vow That We Will . . .
In The Episcopal Church, and as part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, we share in the catholic (meaning universal and authentic) faith held by the Apostles and passed down through the centuries. While we hold this faith dear, we are also of the reformed tradition which began in Europe and England in the 16th century. We live simultaneously in two great expressions of the Christian faith: catholic and reformed. In the Episcopal/Anglican (meaning of the English) tradition we try to live by the via media, the "middle way," always seeking to reconcile different ways of thinking, while holding on to that which is of the greatest value.
In the sacrament of Holy Baptism we express our beliefs and make promises about how we will live. At baptism, we say . . .
We Believe . . . In one God, in Trinity of Persons and Unity of Being, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as revealed through the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and as expressed by the Nicene and Apostle's Creeds.
We Affirm . . . Our commitment to Jesus Christ as our Savior. We put our whole trust in his grace and love. We promise to obey him as our Lord.
We Renounce . . . Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God; the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God; and all sinful desires that draw us from the love of God.
We Vow That We Will . . .
- 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 neighbors as ourselves.
- Strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
