Inclusive

We are an open-minded and inclusive community that honors every individual and empowers each other to be our true selves.  We are an LGBTQIA+ affirming ministry, and we seek to welcome all people.  No exceptions.  Find us on https://www.gaychurch.org/.

 
Open-Minded

We have a high tolerance for the exchange and exploration of ideas. Anglican and Episcopal identity hinge not on our doctrinal conformity but on our willingness to meet God together in worship. Thus respect for individual conscience and evolving processes of collective discernment are key to our formation.

Relational

We are formed by our relationships with God, with one another, with all of God's creation, and with ourselves.  These relationships are built on a foundation of honesty, vulnerability, accountability, respect, safety, and courage.  In all our actions and discussions, we promise to respect the dignity of each other.

Spiritual

We are called to be disciples, and as disciples, we are called to the process of spiritual formation.  This means that we faithfully pray, read the Bible, study, and worship together, with the goal of growing closer to God.  As we grow closer to God, we believe that we grow closer to our neighbors, all of creation, and ourselves.  

Biblical

We believe that the Bible is the record of God's revelation with humanity as well as an opportunity to encounter the living God.  We believe that the Bible is respected most when the Bible is understood in light of its historical, literary, and rhetorical contexts.  Because of this, we do not advocate for a literal interpretation of scripture, but we use history, reason, and prayer to help guide us in the interpretation of the texts. 

Sacramental

We live our lives in perpetual worship, connecting with the Mystery of God through the richness of our Episcopal identity.  In the Episcopal Church, we recognize the sacraments as “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace.”  As such, sacramental life is core to our identity, as we celebrate the Eucharist every week and as we observe six other sacraments throughout the year.  These sacraments include baptism, confirmation, reconciliation of a penitent, matrimony, and unction.  The final sacrament, the sacrament of orders, is not observed at Canterbury, but Canterbury can be a starting place to help students begin the process of discerning whether holy orders is right for them.