What We Believe
There is not much which is distinctive or unique about Anglican belief. We focus on beliefs that are very widely held by Christians throughout the world. There are a number of statements of faith in liturgy books: the Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Alternative Services.
We especially look for guidance from the historic creeds of the Church: The Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed. (BCP pages 10,71, and 695, BAS pages 188 and 189)
We respect the 39 Articles. This is an early statement of Anglican values, and needs to be read with awareness of its historical context. It may sound archaic and too anti-roman catholic to our 21st century ears, but it does include some important truths which remain relevant to this day. (BCP page 698)
Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral is an important statement made in 1888 as an attempt to state the essentials of Anglicanism:
1. The Holy Scriptures, as containing all things necessary to salvation
2. The Creeds (specifically, the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds), as the sufficient statement of Christian faith;
3. The Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion;
4. The historic episcopate, (governance by bishops) locally adapted.
The Solemn Declaration of 1893 is a formative statement for the Church in Canada. (BCP page viii)
The St. James’ Mission Statement was adopted in 1994:
We, the community of St. James Anglican Church, seek to glorify and serve God through our worship and ministry. Rooted in the Word of God, nurtured by prayer and sacrament and guided by the Holy Spirit, we desire to learn and apply all that Jesus would teach us. We are challenged to accept and value each person; to love, encourage and affirm one another as members of a caring family, to discover, develop and share our gifts and ministries, to grow in faith; and to live and spread the Gospel. United in the Body of Christ, we celebrate our diversity and strive to respond to the special needs within our congregation, the Queen’s University community and our neighbours beyond.
