St. Thomas of Canterbury is a parish of the Diocese of the Mid Atlantic States of the Anglican Catholic Church.  The Anglican Catholic Church is a branch of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, instituted by Jesus Christ, faithfully continuing the Anglican tradition.  We uphold the historic Catholic Faith, Apostolic Order and Evangelical Witness as set forth in the traditional Book of Common Prayer.  We accept as binding the received Faith and Traditions of the Church, and its teachings.

    These include the historic, threefold male Apostolic ministry of bishop, priest and deacon, as set forth in Holy Scripture; the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds; and the writings of the bishops and doctors of the Ancient Church, especially as defined by the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the Undivided Church.  As sons and daughters of the Church of England, our religious heritage reaches back to the earliest days of Christianity in England and beyond that to our Lord’s commission to the Apostles to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”  The Anglican Faith is thoroughly grounded in Holy Scripture. 

    Anglican Catholics accept “the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the authentic record of God’s revelation of Himself, His saving activity, and moral demands- a revelation for all men and for all time.”  On Christian morality, we believe that “every Christian is obliged to form his conscience by the Divine Moral Law and the Mind of Christ as revealed in Holy Scriptures, and by the teachings and Traditions of the Church.” We believe that the Sacraments are “objective and effective signs of the continued presence and saving activity of Christ our Lord among His people and His covenanted means for conveying His grace.” 

    There are Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Penance, Unction, Marriage and Holy Orders.  The Anglican Catholic Church uses the historic Book of Common Prayer (1928 Edition).  This book represents one of the finest collections of Christian wisdom and devotion, more than 90% of it is taken directly from Holy Scriptures.  Anglican Catholics take seriously our Lord’s call to ALL Christians to serve Him, not only in the Christian community, but in the world.

We are glad you have visited our website, and welcome you to come worship with us!