Key Distinctives

Anglicanism is a historic Christian tradition going back centuries. The first Christians to arrive in the British Isles probably did so in the late 1st century or early 2nd century. From the Reformation onward, it was known as the Church of England, but as the church expanded, following the tracks of the British Empire, it developed into what it is today: a worldwide communion of 44 independent provinces, who are in fellowship together as catholic-minded, mission-oriented Christians seeking to live out the historic Christian faith in the contemporary world.

The Anglican Church believes the following to be marks of central importance:

-We accept the Holy Scriptures of Old and New Testaments as sufficient for the knowledge of salvation, and the final authority on matters of doctrine and life. 

-We believe the Nicene Creed is a sufficient summary of the Christian faith.  

-We embrace and practice the gospel sacraments of baptism and the Holy Eucharist, while practicing other sacraments (called “sacraments of the Church”) as well.

-We hold to the historic episcopate as the accepted and traditional means of church leadership.

In summary, we embrace the historic catholic practices of liturgy and creedal doctrine, while also accepting certain reformation correctives such as the primacy of Scripture and justification by faith. That catholic worship, deep community, evangelical preaching, and a concern for justice are not only not mutually exclusive, but are thoroughly complementary.