Why Anglican?

1. Anglicanism is Catholic. In 597 A.D. Pope Gregory sent a priest named Augustine to convert people and plant churches. He found there were already Christians there, but he greatly organized the church and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. After the Church in England split from Rome in 1534, the Bishops, Priests and Deacons didn't suddenly lose their apostolic orders. They remained catholic by retaining their orders, holding to the creeds, and distributing the sacraments. The church needed a good weeding, and that it got. So, the Anglican Church is like a garden before and after it has been weeded. It's the same garden, just a lot less weeds.

2. Anglicanism is Reformed. Having the highest regard for the Holy Bible, Anglicanism holds that the Scriptures contain everything a person needs to know concerning salvation. They ditched a lot of medieval novelties and superstitions (weeded the garden), and went back to the source of authority. The 39 Articles of Religion summarize much of what came out of the reformation. Some Anglicans refer to themselves as reformed-catholics. Do you love the Jesus, the Bible, and believe that we are saved by faith, through grace? Anglicanism is for you.

3. Anglican liturgy is beautiful. The Book of Common Prayer, which Anglicans use as their guide to worship, is Scripture organized in a prayerful way, along with ancient collects and other prayers of the church through the centuries. Anglican worship is dignified, simpler than some gaudy services, but very beautiful when tastefully done. Most of the Christmas songs you know probably came from the Anglican church, as well as the wedding service you know, the King James Bible, the majority of our founding fathers, and much more.

4. Anglicanism is worldwide and diverse. Sometimes referred to as the via-media (the middle way) between Protestantism and Catholicism, all Christians who have been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and are repentant for their sins, are allowed to receive Holy Communion. We have ancient and beautiful worship traditions, retained apostolic succession, wonderful music and hymns, a ton of Scripture in our liturgy, and we welcome all Christians. Not being a broad tent for the sake of being a broad tent; Anglicanism recognizes that there are true believers in virtually every branch of Christianity.

   
   

   SO, if you don't know whether or not you want to be Catholic, or Protestant, or Orthodox, or Baptist, or Pentecostal, or Lutheran, or whatever, you're welcome at an Anglican Church, where we are "Mere Christians".

As you explore the opportunities for spiritual growth at St. Paul's, remember that you are not alone. The community is here to support you, encourage you, and walk alongside you on your journey of faith.

Embrace the possibilities that await you at St. Paul's Anglican Church. Your spiritual growth journey is just beginning, and the community is excited to be a part of it.