Statement of Faith
Whether you're new to Christianity, curious about Anglicanism, or seeking to understand what we believe at Restoration Anglican Church, we're glad you're here. This statement of faith is our attempt to explain, in clear and accessible language, the core beliefs that shape who we are and how we live as a community of faith. While the fullness of the Christian faith can't be captured in a single document, we hope this overview helps you understand our Anglican tradition and our heart for following Jesus in today's world.
Rooted in Timeless Truths
Restoration Anglican Church is a part of the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others within the Anglican Church in North America. Our faith is rooted in the timeless truths expressed in the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Chalcedon Definition.
You might be wondering what these creeds are and why they matter! Think of them as the essential “family stories” of the Christian faith, passed down through generations. The Apostles’ Creed is like our basic family introduction – it tells us who God is, what Jesus did for us, and how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. The Nicene Creed goes a bit deeper, helping us understand Jesus’ true nature as both fully God and fully human. The Chalcedon Definition further explains this mystery of Jesus’ identity in a way that’s helped Christians for over 1,500 years.
These creeds aren’t just ancient documents – they’re living expressions of what we believe about God’s love for us and the amazing story of salvation. When we say them together in worship, we’re joining our voices with countless Christians across time and space who’ve found hope and meaning in these same truths.
The Core that Shapes Us
OUR HEART & MISSION
At Restoration, we believe God is actively working to restore all things, and we're invited to join in this beautiful work. This shapes our mission: Joining God in the restoration of all things - our life, our church, and our city. We're not just observers but participants in God's transformative work in our world.
OUR ANGLICAN HERITAGE & PRESENT FAITH
Together with our wider Anglican family worldwide, we embrace the foundational principles established at the 2008 Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
This gathering in Jerusalem was a significant moment when Anglican leaders from around the world came together to reaffirm what we believe and how we should live it out in today's world. Think of it as a family reunion where we remembered our shared values and recommitted to passing them on to the next generation. The principles they agreed upon help us navigate our faith journey in today's world while staying faithful to historic Christian teachings.
THE GOSPEL OF GRACE
We celebrate God's incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. This good news transforms us by the Holy Spirit's power, leading us to respond with love, ongoing repentance, vibrant hope, and hearts full of thanksgiving.
SCRIPTURE'S LIVING VOICE
We treasure the Holy Scriptures as God's written Word. In its pages, we find everything needed for salvation and godly living. We commit to engaging with the Bible thoughtfully, guided by centuries of faithful interpretation within the church.
CONNECTED TO THE HISTORIC CHURCH
We stand in a long line of faithful believers, affirming the wisdom of the four Ecumenical Councils and the three historic Creeds. These early church councils (Nicaea in 325, Constantinople in 381, Ephesus in 431, and Chalcedon in 451 AD) were like pivotal family gatherings where Christian leaders worked out core truths about Jesus and our faith. They help us understand that Jesus is both fully God and fully human and that the Holy Spirit is fully God, too. When we affirm these councils today, we're joining with Christians across time in understanding and living out these essential truths of our faith.
JESUS CHRIST, OUR HOPE
We joyfully proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, He offers forgiveness and new life to all who come to Him in faith.
WORSHIP & SACRAMENTAL LIFE
We find joy in our Anglican heritage of meaningful worship and sacraments, seeing them as beautiful expressions of the gospel. While honoring traditional forms, we seek to make our worship accessible and meaningful for our community today.
LEADERSHIP FOR SERVICE
We believe God calls and equips leaders - bishops, priests, and deacons - to prepare all believers for their unique ministries in the world. Leadership exists to empower and support the whole church in its mission.
HUMAN IDENTITY & DIGNITY
We celebrate that everyone is created in God's image with inherent dignity and worth. We strive to support all people with grace and truth as they discover their identity in Christ and seek to live faithfully under his Lordship.
MISSION & DISCIPLESHIP
We embrace Christ's call to make disciples of all nations. This means warmly welcoming those seeking faith, helping one another grow in Christ, and equipping each other for service.
CREATION CARE & JUSTICE
We recognize our calling to be good stewards of God's creation and to work for justice in our society. We're particularly committed to caring for those in need, seeking their welfare and empowerment.
UNITY IN ESSENTIAL TRUTH
We value unity with all who love and follow Christ while allowing freedom in secondary matters. When differences arise, we commit to seeking Christ's wisdom together with humility and love.
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
We look forward with joy to Christ's return while celebrating how His Spirit is already at work among us, transforming lives and communities through His grace.
An Invitation for those Seeking
If you're exploring faith or asking questions about God, you're welcome here. We believe that seeking truth is a sacred journey, and we'd be honored to walk alongside you. At Restoration, you'll find a community where your questions are valued, your doubts are understood, and your journey is respected.
The heart of our faith is the good news that God's Kingdom is open to all who would receive it. Through Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness, purpose, and a new way of life that transforms us from the inside out. Whether you're taking your first steps toward faith or returning after time away, know that God's grace is big enough for all your questions and struggles.
We invite you to experience the love, hope, and purpose found in God's Kingdom. Come as you are – your presence enriches our community as we journey together toward the God who is making all things new.