“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (BSB)
“Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body…” — 1 Corinthians 10:16–17 (BSB)
“Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received… with unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit…” — Ephesians 4:1–4 (BSB)
“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together… but let us encourage one another…” — Hebrews 10:24–25 (BSB)
The communion of saints is especially expressed in the gathered Church. When I join with others in prayer and Holy Communion, I am united not only with those physically present, but with the whole Church throughout the world and across time. In the Eucharist, the Church “on earth and in heaven” is joined together in praising Christ. We also share in this communion by honoring the lives of the faithful departed, learning from their example, and being strengthened by the memory of their perseverance.
Article XIX of the Thirty-Nine Articles affirms that the Church is the visible body of those united by true faith, while Article XVII teaches that the saints are “called according to God’s purpose by His Spirit working in due season.” This means that every believer, whether well-known or hidden, is part of this spiritual fellowship.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “True Christians may be separated by oceans, language, or centuries, but they are one in Christ. Their prayers, their praises, their struggles are shared in a common bond the world cannot see but heaven surely honors” (Practical Religion, 1878).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) explains, “To share in the communion of saints is to belong to a family that stretches across time and space—a fellowship not of preference, but of baptismal grace and shared mission” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “This communion is not abstract—it is made tangible in the liturgy, in the prayers of the faithful, in the breaking of bread, and in lives given for one another in love” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “The communion of saints is one of God’s great gifts to His people. It is a fellowship of encouragement, of worship, and of shared suffering for the sake of the Gospel” (Pastoral Letter, 2022).
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) says, “We do not walk alone. The communion of saints includes the faithful who have run the race before us. Their example teaches us endurance, and our lives, in turn, must encourage the next generation” (Diocesan Charge, 2020).
To share in the communion of saints is to live deeply rooted in the Church—to give and receive grace through Word and sacrament, to serve and be served in love, and to remember that we are one Body in Christ, joined not only with our local fellowship but with the faithful of every age.
St. John Chrysostom (c. 349–407 AD): “The saints do not cease to care for the Church. Their lives, their prayers, their memory strengthen the faithful. We worship with them as one voice before God.” — Homily on Hebrews 7
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD): “In the communion of saints, each one helps the other. The merit of one becomes a blessing for many. Such is the love of Christ, who makes the Church one in Himself.” — Homilies on the Gospels, 27
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “We are not many churches, but one Church. Our prayers rise together, our sufferings are shared, and our hope is the same—everlasting life with God.” — On the Unity of the Church, 4
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
