FAQs
What is Anglicanism?
The Anglican Church emerged during the Protestant Reformation in England and is closely tied to the heritage of the Church of England. The term "Anglican" is derived from a word meaning "English." At the heart of our worship is the 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer, which reflects the traditions passed down through centuries of Christian practice and the Anglican Missal. Our beliefs are grounded in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, a historic statement of faith that outlines core doctrinal principles rooted in the Apostolic tradition, while also allowing room for thoughtful theological diversity. The Book of Common Prayer guides our liturgy, drawing on the rich inheritance of the early Church.
Is Anglicanism Catholic or Protestant
The answer to that is both.
CATHOLIC — pertaining to the historic continuity of the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church, in both essential dogma and practice (orthodoxy and orthopraxy). Catholic means universal, and this universality/catholicity is best expressed by the rule of St. Vincent of Lérins: "We believe that which has been believed in all places, at all times, by all Christian people." This especially pertains to those practices and beliefs universally affirmed by the Early Church. While many people think of the Church of Rome when they hear "Catholic," Rome does not possess a monopoly of this term. Moreover, not all things that the Roman Church practices or believes are wrong simply because Rome believes or does them. We understand that the Body & Bride of Christ—i.e., the Church—has persevered by God's grace, under the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit, without interruption, for the past two millennia—and it continues with the Church today. While we may look back in history and disagree with some of the specific practices, beliefs, or messy circumstances that prevailed upon the Church in any given age (we may certainly take pause at the present circumstances), that doesn't in any way diminish or invalidate the tradition and inheritance to which we belong. What stands before us is to faithfully carry the tradition forward, and always seek to perfect it according to the Scriptures and with our own lives as we are called to love our God and love our neighbors. The Catholic Essentials that we hold to be true: The Three Ecumenical Creeds—the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian The Four Ecumenical Councils—Nicea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon The Apostolic Episcopate—Church Governance by the Bishops The Dominical Sacraments—Holy Baptism and Holy Communion Apostolic Liturgical Worship—Biblical, Sacramental, Historic, Orderly, and Participatory.
PROTESTANT — pertaining to the essential doctrines rediscovered and reestablished from the Apostolic Church during the Protestant Reformation, as well as the denouncement and discontinuation of misguided and contra-biblical doctrines and practices developed and popularized primarily within the Western Chalcedonian Church during the high and late medieval era (1100-1500AD). We subscribe to a High Augustinian soteriology, above and against those Pelagian strains of doctrines that attempt to make salvation (in any capacity or share) a product of human efforts; salvation comes from God alone, and not by any works of mankind. We also hold the Holy Scriptures to be the ultimate authority and rule of faith, to which all doctrine, piety, and practice must conform—they contain all things necessary to be believed for salvation. We stand in protest toward the errors formalized and promulgated by the General Councils of Trent, Vatican I, and Vatican II. That being said, all things we do and believe must be rooted in historic precedent and validated with Biblical truth. We did not innovate new theology in the Protestant Reformation, but rather reclaimed and restored apostolic doctrine which was buried by the innovations of the medieval era. These concerns primarily center around the Gospel of Grace. Thus Protestants are also Evangelical: we are concerned with the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. These convictions are held across all core Protestant traditions—i.e. Anglicans, Lutherans, Moravians, and Continental Reformed—even if we don't always agree 100% on every secondary or tertiary detail. The Protestant Essentials which we hold to be true (The 5 Solae): Sola Scriptura—Scripture Alone contains all things necessary to salvation. Sola Gratia—Grace Alone effects the salvation of mankind. Sola Fide—Faith Alone is the means by which we redeem God's grace for us. Solus Christus—Christ Alone is the divine mediator and savior of mankind. Soli Deo Gloria—God Alone receives all glory, laud, and honor for our salvation.
CATHOLIC — pertaining to the historic continuity of the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church, in both essential dogma and practice (orthodoxy and orthopraxy). Catholic means universal, and this universality/catholicity is best expressed by the rule of St. Vincent of Lérins: "We believe that which has been believed in all places, at all times, by all Christian people." This especially pertains to those practices and beliefs universally affirmed by the Early Church. While many people think of the Church of Rome when they hear "Catholic," Rome does not possess a monopoly of this term. Moreover, not all things that the Roman Church practices or believes are wrong simply because Rome believes or does them. We understand that the Body & Bride of Christ—i.e., the Church—has persevered by God's grace, under the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit, without interruption, for the past two millennia—and it continues with the Church today. While we may look back in history and disagree with some of the specific practices, beliefs, or messy circumstances that prevailed upon the Church in any given age (we may certainly take pause at the present circumstances), that doesn't in any way diminish or invalidate the tradition and inheritance to which we belong. What stands before us is to faithfully carry the tradition forward, and always seek to perfect it according to the Scriptures and with our own lives as we are called to love our God and love our neighbors. The Catholic Essentials that we hold to be true: The Three Ecumenical Creeds—the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian The Four Ecumenical Councils—Nicea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon The Apostolic Episcopate—Church Governance by the Bishops The Dominical Sacraments—Holy Baptism and Holy Communion Apostolic Liturgical Worship—Biblical, Sacramental, Historic, Orderly, and Participatory.
PROTESTANT — pertaining to the essential doctrines rediscovered and reestablished from the Apostolic Church during the Protestant Reformation, as well as the denouncement and discontinuation of misguided and contra-biblical doctrines and practices developed and popularized primarily within the Western Chalcedonian Church during the high and late medieval era (1100-1500AD). We subscribe to a High Augustinian soteriology, above and against those Pelagian strains of doctrines that attempt to make salvation (in any capacity or share) a product of human efforts; salvation comes from God alone, and not by any works of mankind. We also hold the Holy Scriptures to be the ultimate authority and rule of faith, to which all doctrine, piety, and practice must conform—they contain all things necessary to be believed for salvation. We stand in protest toward the errors formalized and promulgated by the General Councils of Trent, Vatican I, and Vatican II. That being said, all things we do and believe must be rooted in historic precedent and validated with Biblical truth. We did not innovate new theology in the Protestant Reformation, but rather reclaimed and restored apostolic doctrine which was buried by the innovations of the medieval era. These concerns primarily center around the Gospel of Grace. Thus Protestants are also Evangelical: we are concerned with the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. These convictions are held across all core Protestant traditions—i.e. Anglicans, Lutherans, Moravians, and Continental Reformed—even if we don't always agree 100% on every secondary or tertiary detail. The Protestant Essentials which we hold to be true (The 5 Solae): Sola Scriptura—Scripture Alone contains all things necessary to salvation. Sola Gratia—Grace Alone effects the salvation of mankind. Sola Fide—Faith Alone is the means by which we redeem God's grace for us. Solus Christus—Christ Alone is the divine mediator and savior of mankind. Soli Deo Gloria—God Alone receives all glory, laud, and honor for our salvation.
What can I expect at a typical service?
At St. Paul's Anglican Church, you can expect a service rich in tradition and reverence. Our services follow the Old Western Rite, incorporating beautiful liturgy and music. We use incense and the practices of the early British church to enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Each service provides an opportunity to engage deeply with the scriptures and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Whether you are attending Holy Communion on Sunday or Morning Prayer and Bible Study on Wednesday, you will find a warm and welcoming community ready to share the journey of faith with you. Join us and discover the beauty of our services
Who are the leaders at St. Paul's?
Our leadership team is headed by The Most Reverend George Parrish, who has been the rector since 2020. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for church history. Our Priest, the Reverend Father Aaron Tremblay, is also a talented musician and an asset to our community. Together, they lead our parish with compassion and dedication, ensuring each member feels valued and supported.
Meet our leaders at an upcoming service and see their passion for faith in action.
Meet our leaders at an upcoming service and see their passion for faith in action.