WE BELIEVE:

• The Holy Scriptures are the revealed word of God, which inspired the human authors of the Scripture, and  are interpreted by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• The Nicene Creed is the basic statement of our belief about God.
• The two great Sacraments given by Christ to the Church are Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.
• The teachings and beliefs of the Episcopal Church are articulated in an “Outline of the Faith” in our Book of Common Prayer. (page 845)

The Episcopal Church follows the “via media” or middle way in our theology and discussions because we believe that, whether or not we agree on a particular topic, we all are beloved by God and can have thoughtful and respectful discussion. There are no prerequisites in the Episcopal Church – everyone is welcome.

We use the metaphor of a tripod (or “three legged stool’) to describe the grounding of our faith: Scripture, Tradition, and Reason. All three are required for stability, though Scripture always takes precedence.

1. 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 word as He gave it to the Hebrew people.The New Testament contains Christ’s teachings, the accounts of his life as told by his followers, and the beginnings of His Church. Within an Episcopal worship service, Scripture is read in the Lessons, the Gospel (the story, and teachings of Jesus,) the Psalms (songs from the Old Testament) and other prayers. Most of our worship service is taken directly from the Old and New Testament.
2. Tradition is the part of our living faith that spans 2000 years. It is the embodiment of our experience as Christians throughout the centuries. The heart of our tradition is expressed through the Bible, the Creeds (statements of faith, written in the first centuries of the Church’s existence), 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.
3. Reason is 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 gift 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.

THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

This book can seem complicated even for lifelong Episcopalians and seem even more bewildering for visitors and newcomers. Although this is brief, we hope to answer some of the questions you may have and make worship easier for you.

Q: 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.

Q: Does it relate to the Bible?

Scripture is the foundation of our worship. Two-thirds of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Old and New Testaments.

Q: What services are included?

The primary worship is the re-presentation of Lord’s Last Supper with His disciples, a service we call the Holy Eucharist or Mass. However, the first experience many visitors have with the Book of Common Prayer is at weddings, baptisms, or funerals in the Episcopal Church, which typically include the Eucharist as an major part.

Q: Can it 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 songs from the Old Testament, are also contained in the Book of Common Prayer.

A calendar (Lectionary) for reading through the entire Bible every two years in the Offices (the daily service), and a three-year calendar for readings in the Eucharist is included in the back. In addition it includes an outline of the Episcopal faith (called the Catechism) and Church history, and  major historical documents.

“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace.” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857)

In the Episcopal Church, we take part in certain regular acts of worship. These are called sacraments or reenactments of Christ’s ministries on earth.   The two great sacraments are Baptism and Holy Communion.

We also believe in five other (minor) sacraments: Confession and Absolution, Holy Matrimony, Confirmation, Ordination, and Unction (anointing of the sick or dying.) The difference is that the great (major) sacraments were established directly by word and action of Jesus and are intended for everyone, while the minor sacraments are for people in specific categories (e.g. not everyone gets married or ordained, but everyone is expected to be baptized and receive the Eucharist.)

We believe that God is actively present in the world and in us. In the sacraments, we realize His presence and His favor towards us. Through the sacraments, which are freely given to us by God, our sins are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts stirred and our wills strengthened.

May the peace of the Lord be always with you.

Excerpted from: http://www.epicenter.org/the-episcopal-faith/episcopal-faith/episcopal-beliefs/