What We Believe
Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome.
As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.
We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.
Core to our Beliefs:
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, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
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. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.
Baptismal Covenant
“Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292).
A mini-catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.
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 used 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).
Besides baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith.
Found in the Book of Common Prayer, these include:
- Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419
- Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452
- Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438
- Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555
- Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467
Shared Life of Faith
We Are a Community
Church is so much more than attending and being an observer. Being a part of a congregation means sharing with others in all that comes with the journey of faith in God. We share our joys as well as our griefs, we share food at potlucks and share comfort at funerals, we share questions, doubts, and hope. We know it takes time to build the relationships that make you feel you belong, and at one point or another every single member of Faith Church has been brand new. But we’ve all found something special here worth sharing together. So however fast or slow you’d like to get connected, we’re here for you.
We Are Affirming
In our baptismal covenant we promise to “respect the dignity of every human being” and we fully affirm the inherent dignity and worth of LGBTQ+ persons and God’s delight in them as they were created. We affirm the dangers and problems posed by discrimination, racial inequality, and abuse in all its forms; weighing our part in these and all manifestations of brokenness in the world, and praying for God’s help in healing sin so that we might experience the wholeness of what God intends for us.
Love Is Our Guide
We believe God created each person with joy and intends for us to experience peace with every person through Christ’s love. Because of this, we try not to use perspectives on social issues as litmus tests or wedges that separate the sheep from the goats—Jesus did say they were all one flock anyway, right? Instead, we use love as our guide, and strive to view others with the same love that God holds for each person.