Core Beliefs

Essentials

We operate in unity with a variety of Christian denominations, respecting diverse traditions while adhering to its core theological commitments as outlined in historic Christian orthodoxy as observed in the Apostles’ Creed and the first-tier essential within Christianity. Use the + buttons to expand on our essentials and see the corresponding passages.

Did you know?
This quote is attributed to theologian Rupertus Meldenius, a German Lutheran from the 17th century. His work, Parœnesis votiva pro pace ecclesiœ ad theologos Augustanœ confessionis auctore Ruperto Meldenio Theologo [Rottenburg, 1626], was published during the Thirty Years' War, in 1618–1648. His “In a word” statement summed up his call for unity and peace among Protestant Christians. Though often misattributed to Augustine, Meldenius is widely recognized as the author.

Source:  Samuel Macauley Jackson, ed., The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (New York; London: Funk & Wagnalls, 1908–1914), 287.

“In a word, were we to observe unity in essentials, liberty in incidentals, and in all things charity, our affairs would be certainly in a most happy situation.”

- Rupertus Meldenius

Timeless Truths

Apostles’ Creed

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

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
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,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come 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 phrase, “He descended into hell,” was not part of the creed in its earliest form.

**The term 'Catholic' in this creed refers to the universal Christian Church and is not limited to the Roman Catholic denomination.