This statement found in question and answer form, which is committed to in the act of Baptism in the Episcopal Church, defines for us what we believe and what the life of a Christian looks like as a daily, lived experience.
CELEBRANT
Do you believe in God the Father?
PEOPLE
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
CELEBRANT
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
PEOPLE
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
CELEBRANT
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
PEOPLE
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
CELEBRANT
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
PEOPLE
I will, with God’s help.
CELEBRANT
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
PEOPLE
I will, with God’s help.
CELEBRANT
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
PEOPLE
I will, with God’s help.
CELEBRANT
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
PEOPLE
I will, with God’s help.
CELEBRANT
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
PEOPLE
I will, with God’s help.
IN SUMMATION
What we believe: God creates all things those seen and unseen, God redeems all things through the person of Jesus, and God sustains all things though the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. How we live: Regular in worship, prayer and fellowship, resist evil and seek reconciliation, proclaim God’s love for all, love our neighbors as ourselves, and strive for justice and peace recognizing the dignity of every human being.