Historically Orthodox

Together with many hundreds of millions of Christians throughout both the past and the present, we accept and declare together each Sunday the Nicene Creed as a sufficient statement of our Christian faith. This ancient creed dates back to the early fourth century.

During Holy Baptism, the entire congregation reaffirms their baptismal vows along with those to be baptized, which includes declaring together the Apostles' Creed. This ancient creed, at least in part, is believed to date all the back to the first-century church.

Sola Scriptura

Theologically, Anglicanism is essentially Protestant. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, the historically defining statement of doctrines for the Church of England with respect to the controversies of the English Reformation, clearly distinguishes Anglican belief from certain tenets of Roman Catholicism, the most obvious pertaining to the nature of authority. In line with all other Protestant traditions, Anglicans affirm sola scriptura, that is, Scripture is the final authority for matters of belief and practice. Of course, tradition and reason play key roles in doing theology, arguably more so than in other Protestant traditions, but never are they placed on equal footing with the Bible.

Generous Orthodoxy

Beyond these and other essentials, Anglicanism is unique in that it intentionally allows space for believers and local churches to discuss, disagree, and develop their beliefs. Such a generous orthodoxy stems from a humility that recognizes that we as humans still see through a glass dimly and that our God is incomprehensible. Anglicans, then, often speak about mystery and tension, and how God should not be systematized or put in a box. This approach provides for a broad spectrum of theology that, while rooted in Scripture and historic orthodoxy, trusts the Holy Spirit to guide and direct the church of Jesus Christ even today.

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Click here to read the theological statement of the Anglican Church in North America.