The Baptismal Covenant


In the Episcopal Church, Christian faith is more than a creed… it is a way of life.  We find our beliefs and our way of life expressed most succinctly in the Baptismal Covenant.  We enter into this covenant with God at baptism, and renew it regularly as part of our common life.

 
Celebrant      Do you believe in God the Father?
People          I believe in God, the Father almighty,
                               creator of heaven and earth.

 Celebrant      Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People          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.

 Celebrant     Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People          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.

Celebrant      Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and
                                fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the
                                prayers?

People          I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant      Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
                                you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

People          I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant     Will you proclaim by word and example the Good
                                News of God in Christ?

People          I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant      Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
                                your neighbor as yourself?

People          I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant      Will you strive for justice and peace among all
                                 people, and respect the dignity of every human
                                being?

People          I will, with God’s help.