What Do Episcopalians Believe?
A starting point for understanding what Episcopalians believe is with a verse of scripture most Christian Americans memorized as children – John 3:16. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the extent that all who believe in him,” [as the Savior of the world] “might inherit eternal life.” This God is the creator of the world and of all people, who are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). A simple statement of the New Testament is so fundamental to our faith: “God is love” (1 John 4:7). In the mystery of the Incarnation or “the Word [becoming] flesh” (John 1:14), the otherwise invisible God, demonstrated this incredible love for all people through Jesus, the Savior of the world. The gift of love is God’s most powerful creation action! Jesus declared he was the Messiah and the Savior for whom his Jewish brothers and sisters had long awaited. He gave “the Great Commandment,” based upon the love of God: “Hear O, Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. Love the
