We believe that God has promised to humanity that they would have access to divine grace, the free gift of God's blessing that delivers us from sin, strengthens us to do good work, and leads us deeper into the life of faith.
Of course, God's grace flows into the world in myriad ways, and we don't limit how God works in our lives or in the world. Nevertheless, The Episcopal Church trusts that God's grace is particularly assured in the sacraments of the Church. While Episcopalians hold a range of views in their understanding of the sacraments, our ancient "western" church heritage (from which Anglicanism arises) holds to seven formal sacraments. |
Sacrament |
Outward Sign |
Inward Grace |
Baptism |
Water Invocation of the Trinity: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit |
Union with Christ Membership in the Household of God |
Eucharist |
Bread & Wine Words of Institution |
Body & Blood of Christ Union with God & One Another |
Confirmation |
Chrism (sacred oil) Laying on of Hands by a Bishop |
Sealed with the Spirit |
Matrimony |
Two Persons Exchange of Vows |
Divine Blessing, Fortitude |
Holy Orders |
Ordinand (one to be ordained) Laying on of Hands by a Bishop |
Priestly Authority Church Order |
Reconcilation |
Penitent, Confession, Absolution |
Foregiveness |
Anointing of the Sick |
Oil of the Infirmed with Prayers Laying on of Hands by a Priest |
Healing, Wholeness |
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