Beliefs


What does Houston Canterbury believe?

We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Who are Episcopalians?

As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, we are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world. We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; People of various genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions. From The Episcopal Church

Want a quick crash-course in The Episcopal Church? We got you.

Do you have a statement of belief?

The Nicene Creed is the statement of belief, dating back to 325AD, used by the Episcopal Church and many other traditions. We do NOT use the Creed as a tool to exclude those who may struggle with some of its assertions, but it is meant to be wrestled with, discussed and prayed over. We at Houston Canterbury will have many opportunities to do so together throughout the year. We welcome the opportunity to have conversation with you anytime, judgment free, and you are always encouraged to ask and share your thoughts.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
    the only Son of God,
    eternally begotten of the Father,
    God from God, Light from Light,
    true God from true God,
    begotten, not made,
    of one Being with the Father.
    Through him all things were made.
    For us and for our salvation
        he came down from heaven:
    by the power of the Holy Spirit
        he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
        and was made man.
    For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
        he suffered death and was buried.
        On the third day he rose again
            in accordance with the Scriptures;
        he ascended into heaven
            and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again in glory to judge 
        the living and the dead,
        and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, 
        the Lord, the giver of life, 
    who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
    With the Father and the Son he is 
        worshiped and glorified.
    He has spoken through the Prophets.
    We believe in one holy catholic 
        and apostolic Church.
    We acknowledge one baptism 
        for the forgiveness of sins.
    We look for the resurrection of the dead,
        and the life of the world to come. Amen

Where can I find out more?

You can find specific information on our beliefs on various specific topics like Baptism and Communion here:

Houston Canterbury - Baptism & Covenants

What we Believe - The Episcopal Church

You can also find more extended explanation, from the Diocese of Texas here:

Episcopal Faith - Diocese of Texas