What does it mean to be Anglican?

Our way of being Christian is called Anglicanism. Anglicanism is the historic expression of Christianity that developed in England, drawing upon the faith of the Apostolic Church and the witness of Christianity in Britain from its earliest centuries. Rooted in Holy Scripture and shaped by the worship and teaching of the historic Church, Anglicanism seeks to proclaim the unchanging Gospel in every generation.

We are Biblical, because we receive Holy Scripture as the inspired Word of God and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and life. Reason and Tradition are honored as faithful servants of the Church, but they remain subject to the authority of God's Word.

We are Evangelical, because we believe every person must come to repentance and faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ, trusting Him alone for salvation. We proclaim the Gospel of God's grace, calling all people to believe in Christ, to receive His forgiveness, and to follow Him as Lord.

We are Liturgical, because the historic 1662 Book of Common Prayer provides the form and language of our worship, shaping our prayers, praises, and hearing of God's Word. Through the Prayer Book's rich pattern of Scripture, confession, prayer, and praise, we are formed in the faith once delivered to the saints.

We are Sacramental, because we reverence the two sacraments ordained by Christ Himself: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. As Article XXV of the Thirty-nine Articles teaches, the sacraments are "sure witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God's good will towards us, by the which He doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our Faith in Him."

We are Musical, because we believe sacred music is an essential part of Christian worship, serving both the praise of God and the formation of His people. At Covenant Church, we give careful attention to hymns and choral music that are rich in biblical truth and reverently offered, drawing especially from the treasury of English hymnody.

We are Episcopal, because we believe the historic threefold ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons is the apostolic pattern for the governance of Christ's Church. Under the pastoral oversight of our bishop, we seek to preserve the unity of the Church and faithfully proclaim the Gospel handed down through the ages, maintaining continuity with the faith once delivered to the saints.