“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’” — Luke 22:19 (BSB)
“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” — 1 Corinthians 11:23 (BSB)
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” — Acts 2:38 (BSB)
“Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” — Romans 6:3 (BSB)
In Article XXV of the Thirty-Nine Articles, the Church teaches that Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are not only symbols but “effectual signs of grace,” whereby God works invisibly to strengthen and assure those who rightly receive them in faith. These sacraments, instituted by the Lord, are binding on all believers and central to the life of the Church.
Anglicans also honor five other rites—confirmation, penance (or absolution), holy orders, holy matrimony, and anointing of the sick—as “commonly called sacraments,” recognizing that they are sacramental in character. These do not share the same universal institution and promise as Baptism and Holy Communion, but they are rooted in Scripture, carry spiritual benefit, and have been used for the building up of the Church since the early centuries.
Bishop J.C. Ryle explained, “Let us never forget that there are but two great sacraments ordained by Christ—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are sufficient for the salvation and sanctification of the Church” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “The dominical sacraments are the essential means by which Christ applies the benefits of redemption to His people. The other rites, though full of grace and beauty, serve to support the life that begins and is sustained in these two” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) teaches, “Baptism and Eucharist shape the heart of the Church’s sacramental life. They are given by Jesus to mark us, nourish us, and keep us until He comes again” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) explains, “The sacraments are not just traditions—they are divine encounters. Baptism and Communion root us in the Gospel, while the other sacramental rites deepen our discipleship in specific callings and seasons of life” (Pastoral Letter, 2019).
Archbishop Henry Ndukuba (Primate of Nigeria) adds, “Christ gave His Church the sacraments not as burdens but as blessings. Through them, we experience grace, grow in holiness, and are equipped to serve the world” (Synod Address, 2022).
Thus, the Church upholds two primary sacraments and five additional rites, always recognizing that Christ alone is the giver of grace, and all sacramental action points back to His finished work on the cross and continuing ministry through the Spirit.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “There are two great mysteries given by Christ: Baptism for new birth, and the Eucharist for the nourishment of the soul. These form the foundation of Christian life.” — Catechetical Lectures, 22.3
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Through the water of baptism and the bread of the Eucharist, the Church is made holy, united to Christ, and prepared for glory.” — Against Heresies, IV.18.5
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “Only those who have been washed in the name of Christ are permitted to partake of the Eucharist, which is no ordinary food, but the flesh and blood of the incarnate Word.” — First Apology, 66
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.
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