Theological Statement
We are a Church rooted in the ancient faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, shaped by grace, and open to all whom Christ calls. We hold fast the apostolic tradition while embracing the simplicity and humility of the Primitive faith β trusting not in our own works, but in the mercy of the One who has saved us.
π Ephesians 2:8β9; Titus 2:11β14; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
I. The Foundation of Our Faith
1. Jesus Christ our Savior
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, our personal Savior and Redeemer, who through His death and resurrection has brought us to new life.
π John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8β9; Titus 3:5β7; 1 Peter 1:3.
2. The Holy Trinity
We believe in the Holy Trinity β Father, Son, and Holy Spirit β one God in three divine Persons, eternal and equal in power and glory.
π Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; John 14:16β17; Deuteronomy 6:4.
3. The Creeds and the Undivided Faith
We believe and profess the Apostlesβ and Nicene Creeds as faithful witnesses to the ancient and undivided faith of the Church.
π 1 Corinthians 15:3β4; Ephesians 4:4β6; 1 Timothy 3:16; Jude 1:3.
4. Authority of Scripture
We believe that the Holy Scriptures are the inspired witness to Godβs revelation in Christ Jesus. Scripture, when rightly understood in its historical and theological context, remains the supreme rule and guide for faith and life.
π 2 Timothy 3:16β17; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12; John 20:31.
5. Faith as an Experience of Grace
We affirm that true faith is not only professed but experienced, as the Holy Spirit draws us into communion with Christ.
π Romans 8:14β16; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:10; John 14:23.
II. The Church and the Sacraments
6. The One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church
We believe in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, the Body of Christ in the world.
π Ephesians 4:4β6, 11β13; Colossians 1:18; Matthew 16:18.
7. Apostolic Succession and the Work of the Spirit
We hold to the apostolic succession of the ministry and the guidance of the Holy Spirit throughout the ages.
π 2 Timothy 2:2; Acts 1:20β26; John 16:13; Acts 20:28.
8. The Seven Sacraments
We believe in the seven Sacraments of the Church β Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick, Confession and Reconciliation, Marriage, and Holy Orders β as visible signs of inward grace.
π Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:14β17; Luke 22:19β20; James 5:14β15; John 20:22β23; Matthew 19:5β6; 1 Timothy 4:14.
9. Holy Orders for All the Called
We affirm that all Holy Orders β bishops, priests, and deacons β are open to both men and women, as each is called by God and discerned by the Church.
π Acts 2:17β18; Romans 16:1β7; Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:4β6.
10. Celibacy as a Personal Vocation
We believe that celibacy is a personal spiritual vocation, not a requirement, and that both married and celibate clergy may faithfully serve.
π 1 Corinthians 7:7β9, 32β35; 1 Timothy 3:2β5; Hebrews 13:4.
11. Autonomy of the Local Church
We hold that the local congregation is a sacred and autonomous expression of Christβs Body, guided by the Holy Spirit, yet united in love and faith with the universal Church.
π Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12β14, 27; Colossians 3:14β15.
12. Simplicity in Worship
We strive for simplicity and authenticity in worship, seeking not grandeur but the presence of the living Christ.
π John 4:23β24; Micah 6:8; Matthew 6:6β8; Philippians 2:3.
III. The Life of Grace
13. The Open Table
We affirm that all who come to Christ in faith are welcome at His Table, for the Lordβs Supper is the feast of divine grace, not human worthiness. We reject any doctrine that denies those who seek Him.
π Luke 22:19β20; John 6:37; 1 Corinthians 11:26β29; Romans 15:7.
14. The Fruit of Grace
We believe that the grace of Christ transforms the heart, calling believers to lives of holiness, humility, and love.
π Galatians 5:22β25; Ephesians 4:22β24; James 2:17; Matthew 5:16.
15. Marriage and Mercy
We affirm the sanctity of marriage and commitment, while trusting in the mercy of Christ toward those who have experienced divorce or remarriage.
π Matthew 19:5β6; John 8:1β11; Romans 8:1β2; Ephesians 5:25β28.
16. Godβs Sovereignty and Providence
We believe in the absolute sovereignty and providence of God, whose love governs all creation.
π Romans 8:28β30; Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 46:9β10; Ephesians 1:11.
IV. The Communion of the Saints
17. The Early Councils and Fathers
We accept and uphold the teachings of the Seven Ecumenical Councils and honor the wisdom of the early Church Fathers.
π 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 11:2; Hebrews 13:7; Jude 1:3.
18. Dignity of All People
We honor the diverse expressions of Godβs image among all peoples, welcoming all who seek spiritual comfort. We do not discriminate against anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender, marital status, or age. We reject any doctrine that excludes anyone.
π Genesis 1:27; Acts 10:34β35; Galatians 3:28; John 13:34.
19. Humility Before God
We walk humbly before God, acknowledging that all understanding and righteousness come from Him alone.
π Micah 6:8; James 4:6, 10; Proverbs 3:5β6; Philippians 2:3.
20. The Renewal of All Things
We await the day when all creation shall be renewed in Christ, and God shall be all in all.
π Romans 8:18β23; Revelation 21:1β5; 1 Corinthians 15:28; 2 Peter 3:13.