Episcopal Church beliefs are rooted in Tradition, Scripture, Reason, and Sacramental worship, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and liturgical practice.
Scripture – The primary source of authority.
Tradition – The practices and teachings passed through the church.
Reason – The use of intellect and critical thinking to interpret faith and ethics.
From an Anglican/Episcopal theological perspective, our beliefs are grounded in baptism, through the Baptismal Covenant, and the principles of worship center around communal participation in Word and Sacrament. The spatial and liturgical arrangement of our worship space reflects and shapes the community’s spiritual identity and action.
At the heart of Anglican/Episcopal theology is the Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer 1979, p. 304), which articulates the community’s shared commitment to:
Continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers. Proclaim the Word and participate in the Sacrament . Seek and serve Christ in all persons
This covenant is not private but communal, forming the people of God as a priestly body (cf. 1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, worship and mission is the action of the whole body, not just of clergy or musicians. The physical arrangement of the worship space reflects a shared spiritual responsibility and participation.
Core Beliefs
Episcopalians affirm the foundations of Christianity, including:
- The Trinity – One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Christ – Fully God and fully human, whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation.
- The Bible – Considered the inspired Word of God, interpreted with the aid of tradition and reason.
- The Creeds – The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds are key summaries of the faith.
Middle Way (Via Media)
Episcopalians often describe their faith as a “via media” (middle way) between:
Protestantism (emphasis on Scripture, reform, individual conscience)
Roman Catholicism (sacramental, liturgical, historical)
The Way of Love
Episcopalians look back to the creeds, councils, and practices of the first few centuries of Christianity as authoritative and formative. These include the Nicene Creed, Apostles’ Creed, and early Church Fathers.
Liturgical Continuity: The Book of Common Prayer is a modern expression of ancient liturgical forms. Episcopalians believe worship connects them with Christians across time and space.
Apostolic Succession: Bishops in the Episcopal Church are ordained in the line of apostolic succession, maintaining continuity with the historic Church.