There are many words used to describe the Anglican Church:
episcopal – lead by bishops, primary authorities and overseers of dioceses
catholic – the church universal, at all times, in all places, for all people
creedal – ascribing to the three historical Christian creeds: the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Creed of St. Athanasius
in communion – with the global Anglican Church and the see of the Archbishop of Canterbury
apostolic – in line with the first Apostles sent by Jesus Christ to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
sacramental – maintaining and teaching the faith in the historic sacraments
Sacraments
The Anglican tradition of Christianity recognizes a “sacrament” as “the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” (The Book of Common Prayer, 1962, p. 550).
… the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace …
There are two ‘greater sacraments,’ given by Christ to his Church:
- Holy Baptism: Christian initiation into the Body of Christ – the Church
- The Holy Eucharist (or Communion or the Mass): Christian table liturgy with bread and wine
- Confirmation: an adult reaffirmation of the vows of baptism *
- Penance: general or private confession and absolution – the reconciliation of a penitent
- Holy Matrimony: Christian marriage
- Holy Orders: ordination to the diaconate, priesthood, or episcopacy
- Holy Unction: anointing of the sick or dying with holy oil set apart for that purpose
* a reaffirmation of faith made by a person once confirmed, usually at a service of confirmation and in the presence of the Bishop, is appropriate at any time of adult life
Other Services
- The Daily Offices
- Funerals
- Reaffirmation of Faith or Reception into the Anglican Church
- Reaffirmation of Marriage Vows
- The Blessing of a Home
- Tenebrae
- Services of Healing and Wholeness
Occasional Celebrations offers orders of prayer for various times and circumstances