What We Believe

Christianity

Christians believe that Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem two thousand years ago, was and is the son of God. The story of his life, death and resurrection, is told in the four Gospels of the Bible, in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You can find out more about Jesus Christ, watch a film about him and download these books at www.rejesus.co.uk.

The Christian Church is the community of Jesus’ followers who attempt to live their lives according to his teaching. Christians express their love for God in worship and in prayer. They express their love for their neighbours by caring for them and helping them to know and experience God’s love through Jesus.

If you would like to explore Christianity for yourself and you’re interested in meeting up with others, please talk to the Rector.

The Church of England

Members of the Church of England (Anglicans) trace their Christian roots back to the early Church.

The basis of the faith of the Church of England is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (the Bible), as understood by the Church throughout the ages and proclaimed in the three ecumenical creeds, the Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed and the one commonly called the Apostles' Creed.

We believe that particular churches need not have the same traditions and ceremonies in all places and at all times but that it is not lawful for the church to ordain anything that is contrary to the will of God revealed in the Holy Scriptures.

The Church of England is part of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide family of churches with more than 70 million adherents in 38 Provinces spreading across 161 countries. Although these churches are autonomous, they are also uniquely unified through their history, their theology, their worship and their relationship to the ancient See of Canterbury, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

We believe that God’s help and grace are available to us through the Sacraments. We continue to use the two Sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ himself, Baptism and Holy Communion, using His words. Confirmation, Ordination, Reconciliation, Marriage and the Anointing of the sick are also means of expressing and receiving God’s love.

The Church of England affirms the need for continuing renewal and reformation but values tradition, not least in preserving the ordained ministry of bishops, priests and deacons. Anglican bishops trace their authority from the bishops of the earliest church.