What is an Anglican?

        The Anglican Church is an international communion with churches in 164 countries and a total of about 75 million members worldwide. There are many differences between individual Anglican churches, but we hold four things in common:

·      The Holy Bible as the rule and ultimate standard of our faith;

·      The Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, as basic statements of Christian belief;

·      Recognition of the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and

·      The historic episcopate; that is, the continuity of the line of bishops since the time of Christ.

        As Christians, we believe in the one true and living God who is our creator and redeemer.  He is infinite and unchangeable and has revealed Himself as the Trinity- the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Because mankind had sinned, resulting in separation from God, he sent his son, Jesus, to earth to die that humankind may be reconciled with God.  Jesus was crucified on a cross and rose from the dead in three days, appearing to hundreds before ascending to God in heaven.  We believe that the Holy Bible is the Word of God written, contains all things necessary for salvation, and provides direction for our daily lives.  It is a record of God’s creation and intervention into the life of humans.  The Holy Spirit interacts with, and unites Christians with God as his children, empowering them to be witnesses for Christ. 

        The basics of the faith are well described in a basic primer developed by the parish of St. John, the Evangelist, Roslyn located in Dunedin, New Zealand.   Much of this section of our website is based on the St. John's primer.