What are Anglicans?
The Anglican Communion is the third-largest body of Christians in the world. Although "Anglican" refers to our roots in ancient England, today there are 80 million Anglicans in more than 50 nations, from many languages, people groups, and races – all united by our love for Jesus Christ.
Our Anglican tradition combines three "streams" of Christian faith and practice:
How Do We Worship?
Anglican worship combines structure and spontaneity. The Book of Common Prayer gives structure to our services, but that structure leaves space for new music, Bible readings, and prayers for the needs on our hearts each week. Some churches use more traditional language for their services, while others use modern English (we use modern language at St. Thomas).
How Do We Relate to Each Other?
As Christians, we are united in our love for, service to, and worship of Jesus Christ. We are also committed to loving and serving each other, and sharing life together through things like food, fun, fellowship, and instruction. These things happen through times of prayer, teaching, and study, both on Sunday mornings and during the week. There is always a place for newcomers, and you can explore, learn, and get involved in the ways that best fit you and help you grow in Christ.
Our Anglican tradition combines three "streams" of Christian faith and practice:
- We are 'catholic,' part of the Church throughout the world and throughout history. God has never forsaken his Church, but has continued to lead and guide it. We have learned much from that long tradition, especially the centrality of the Sacraments (baptism and communion) in our worship.
- We are also ‘reformed,' because the Church has sometimes gotten off-track. The Protestant movement of the 16th century called the Church to return to putting the Bible first in our worship and study.
- We are 'Spirit-filled,' following the example of the 18th-century Holiness movement to be agents in the world for God’s love for the poor and to live and work daily in the power of the Holy Spirit.
How Do We Worship?
Anglican worship combines structure and spontaneity. The Book of Common Prayer gives structure to our services, but that structure leaves space for new music, Bible readings, and prayers for the needs on our hearts each week. Some churches use more traditional language for their services, while others use modern English (we use modern language at St. Thomas).
How Do We Relate to Each Other?
As Christians, we are united in our love for, service to, and worship of Jesus Christ. We are also committed to loving and serving each other, and sharing life together through things like food, fun, fellowship, and instruction. These things happen through times of prayer, teaching, and study, both on Sunday mornings and during the week. There is always a place for newcomers, and you can explore, learn, and get involved in the ways that best fit you and help you grow in Christ.
For more information, take a look at What is Anglicanism? on the Anglican Church in North America's website.
