Historically, the center of Episcopalian
teaching is the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The basic teachings of the church,
or catechism, include:
Jesus Christ is fully human and fully God. He died and was
resurrected from the dead.
Jesus provides the way of eternal life for those who believe.
The Old and New Testaments of the Bible were written by
people "under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit".
The Apocrypha are additional books that are used in
Christian worship, but not for the formation of doctrine.
We believe that the two great and necessary sacraments are Holy Baptism
and Holy Eucharist. Other sacramental rites are confirmation, ordination, marriage,
reconciliation of a penitent, and unction. Belief in heaven, hell, and Jesus's
return in glory.
The Episcopal Church follows the via media or "middle way" between Protestant and Roman Catholic
doctrine and practices: that is both Catholic and reformed. The Episcopal Church traces its history
from the Church of England and stresses its continuity with the early universal Western church. The
church is a member of the Anglican Communion and looks to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Council
of Bishops for guidance and decisions regarding doctrine.
