Creeds
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) contains an Outline of Faith (Catechism) which provides a basic outline of faith. Keep in mind that the catechism “is a commentary on the creeds, but is not meant to be a complete statement of belief and practices, rather it is a point of departure. . . ” (BCP, page 844).
The two creeds used by the Episcopal Church:
- The Apostle’s Creed is an ancient creed of Baptism; is is used in the Church’s daily worship to recall our Baptismal Covenant
- The Nicene Creed is the creed of the universal Church and is used at Eucharist.
Additionally, the Baptismal Covenant, used at baptisms, Easter, and other special occasions is a shorter question and answer version of the Apostle’s Creed with five additional questions and answers describing how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.
Resources
- Online Book of Common Prayer: bcponline.org
- A People Called Episcopalians: A Brief Introduction to our Peculiar Way of Life by John Westerhoff.
- Welcome to the Episcopal Church by Christopher Webber
- Video on being an Episcopalian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zU5LAXlYGw
- Full text from Derek Olson at The Episcopal Cafe: http://www.episcopalcafe.com/sacramental_theology_101_baptism_and_eucharist/
