EMMANUEL

About Emmanuel

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There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28

Introduction

We believe that God loves everyone; no exceptions!  As such, we are an inclusive community that welcomes people regardless of economic status, sexual and gender orientation, race, ethnicity, etc.  

 

We are guided by the core values expressed in our Baptismal Covenant outlined in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP).  This means that we are to not only believe the concepts embodied in the Baptismal Covenant, but we are to become what we believe. 

 

We are grounded in sacramental worship, and we strive to live lives that honor the dignity of every human, that seek to see Christ in all persons, that work for more just and peaceful communities, that seek reconciliation with God and others, that share the Good News, that acknowledge our sinful ways and return to God for forgiveness.

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The Episcopal Church

Emmanuel is part of the Episcopal Church, the American branch of the Global Anglican Communion. Beginning in England during of the Protestant Reformation, Anglicanism sought a middle way (via media) between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Anglicanism, and by extension The Episcopal Church, has some "Catholic" features such as liturgical worship, Bishops and Dioceses, and a deep connection to the early Church; we also have some "Protestant" features such as rigorous study of the Bible, democratic governance, and a commitment to justice for all people.

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Anglicanism came to America, and Virginia, with the establishment of Jamestown in 1607. In the Colonial Pattern of the time, Emmanuel was founded as "Rockingham Parish" in 1747 part of the Diocese of Virginia. Following the American Revolution, The Episcopal Church was established in 1783. While remaining part of the Anglican Communion, The Episcopal Church is independent of the Church of England. The Episcopal Church is governed by General Convention, which is made of both Bishops in the House of Bishops, and elected clergy and laypeople in the House of Deputies.

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What We Believe

As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.

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The Book of Common Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer is the primary symbol of our unity. Episcopalians are diverse in background and opinion, and we encourage thoughtful debate as part of our faith; but we who are many and diverse come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.

 

The Book of Common prayer is what we use to order our public worship, as well as providing devotional and teaching resources for individuals.

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The Bible

The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.

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The Creeds

The Episcopal Church affirms the historic creeds as the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at Baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at Communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.

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The Baptismal Covenant

The Baptismal Covenant is a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.

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Inclusion

The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance. We celebrate same-sex marriage, we strive for the liberation of and justice for all people.

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