What We Believe

The Episcopal Church

Christ Church Parish is part of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, participating in its doctrine, discipline, and worship.

You can find out more about the beliefs of The Episcopal Church HERE.

The Holy Scriptures: The Great Commandments

At the heart of our interpretation of Scripture are the two Great Commandments quoted by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, and the New Commandment given by Jesus in the Gospel of John.

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:28-31).

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

In this, we follow the tradition of more than two millennia of western (Latin) Christianity, perhaps best expressed by 4th century theologian and bishop, Augustine of Hippo: “The fulfillment and the end of the law and of all the divine scriptures is love (Rom 13:8). … So, if it seems to you that you have understood the divine scriptures, or any part of them, in such a way that by this understanding you do not build up the twin love of God and neighbor, then you have not yet understood them” (Augustine of Hippo, De Doctrina Christiana, 1.35.39, 1.36.40).

The Book of Common Prayer: The Baptismal Covenant

At their baptism, every Episcopalian publicly affirms the Baptismal Covenant, and promises to live out this covenant in their daily life, words, and actions. This is what it means to live into the three Great Commandments of Christianity, according to the Episcopal Church.

In the Presentation of Baptismal Candidates (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 302-303), those about to be baptized respond, “I renounce them” to each of the following three questions:

Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?

Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?

Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?

Then, those about to be baptized respond, “I do” to each of the next three questions:

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?

Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?

Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?

Then, those about to be baptized affirm, and the rest of the congregation reaffirms, the Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 304-305):

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Father?

People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Celebrant Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Celebrant Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?