The Anglican Church in the Philippines (Traditional) Inc. (ACP)
The ACP is ANGLICAN
Anglican means ENGLAND. The Church of England or the Anglican Church is the Christian church in England, dating from the introduction of Christianity into that country. More specifically, it is the branch of the Christian church that, since the Reformation, has been the established as the Church of England.
The English Church became a national church within the great Western Church. Over 450 years ago, the Church of England was affected by the Reformation. At the time of the Reformation, the English Church separated from that part of the Church we now call the Roman Catholic Church. This separation was achieved in a unique way. Despite the separation the Church of England or the ANGLICAN CHURCH remained a CATHOLIC church, in part, by retaining EPISCOPAL government. By reforming itself, it became a Protestant or EVANGELICAL Church. It is APOSTOLIC as it continues to adhere to the APOSTLES’ teachings and fellowship. When the American branch of the Church of England became independent, it became a DEMOCRATIC Church. The English Reformers translated the old worship books, which is being used in its services and known as the Book of Common Prayer. The Anglicans as it worships in form and order are LITURGICAL Christians.
The ACP as a PROVINCE is a CHURCH….
There is only one Church. The Church is the visible sign of the called company of baptized believers who are members of the Church, which contains both the living and the departed. A province is where the Church is situated geographically. Provinces are formed by geographically contiguous dioceses, which are groupings of local parishes. This term province comes to us when dioceses were grouped together according to the Provinces of the Roman Empire. Our province of the Church happens to be in the Philippines and is a companion province of the Anglican Province of America.
The ACP is CATHOLIC…
Catholic means the Church established by our Lord Himself, is for ANYONE and EVERYONE who believes (universal). As Catholic, it is always served by clergy who are successors of the Apostles and who administer the Sacraments, which our Lord gave to the Church. The faith of the Church is summarized in three historic Creeds: Apostles’, Nicene and Athanasian, and in the teachings defined by the Early Church.
The ACP is EPISCOPAL…
The word Episcopal means bishops. Our Jesus Christ sent His disciples into the world. They were called Apostles, or “sent men”. The Apostles added ministers to their ranks to care for the growing Church. These men became known as bishops. Hence as Episcopal, ACP is under the care of our Presiding bishop in communion and consultation with the House of Bishops.
The ACP is APOSTOLIC...
As an apostolic church it continues steadfastly and adheres to the teachings of the Apostles and their fellowship. Acts 2:42
The ACP is EVANGELICAL…
The word evangelical means “of the Gospel”. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is found in the Holy Bible, God’s Word written by inspired people. The Bible is the book of the Church. Anglicans cherish the Scriptures. They are read in public worship; our Prayer Book is Bible-based. Its words echo the teachings, words and expression of the Holy Scriptures.
The ACP is LITURGICAL…
Liturgy means hard work. We show our duty to God and our love for Him in corporate worship. The 1928 American edition of the Book of Common Prayer is the official liturgy of this Province. Hence the expression of worship is entwined in the order and form of the liturgy.
The ACP is DEMOCRATIC…
Since the Protestant Episcopal Church was the first Anglican Church to restore to the laity the rights and duties they enjoyed in the Early Church, ACP has recognized and welcomed the laity sharing with the clergy the duty of determining the most appropriate and best policies governing the day-to-day life of the church.
The ACP is TRADITIONAL…
By traditional, we mean that we do not allow the current winds of public and societal opinion to alter that Faith which we have received from our forefathers as contained in the Holy Bible, the writings of the Early Church, and the Book of Common Prayer.
The ACP is REFORMED…
As reformed, it holds to the doctrine and liturgy handed down to us from the English Reformation in the 39 Articles of Religion and the 1928 version of the Book of Common Prayer.
The ACP is AUTONOMOUS and INDEPENDENT…
While the Church is ONE, it adapts itself to differing cultures and circumstances. Anglicans believe in the freedom of individual dioceses and provinces to respond to the needs of the particular people they serve. Autonomy and independence does NOT mean that a parish or diocese or any other level of church government has the right to change the Faith. Each congregation owns its own property. Neither the bishops nor conventions of this Church make political decisions for the people of the Church. Christians are bound to make their political decisions and exercise their rights in the light of the Gospel.
Finally, the ACP is a FAMILY OF CHRISTIANS!
You are invited to be a part of our family!
