Church of The Cross Episcopal

Church of the Cross honors the ancient statements of faith found in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, both found in the Book of Common Prayer. The faithful have held the words of these creeds close for centuries. These are community statements of faith, and contain in their words the witness of the scriptures.

The word “creed” has its roots in the Latin word for “heart.” The words of these creeds give voice to the scriptures, and the experience of faith of the community of saints stretching through space and time. We give our heart to what is here in the creeds… not just to the words or concepts; but also, to the witness of the scriptures and our faithful forebears. In keeping to these ancient creedal statements, we are reminded that we are not alone; that others have gone before us; that we are an ancient people; and that in the community of faith we are part of something larger than our own selves, and that we are not the first to pledge our allegiance to Christ, nor will we be the last.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.