“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God… Consequently, whoever rebels against authority is opposing what God has instituted…” – Romans 13:1–2 (BSB)
“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” – Jeremiah 29:7 (BSB)
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” – 1 Peter 2:13, 17 (BSB)
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’” – Matthew 22:21 (BSB)
Citizenship in the Christian life means fulfilling our responsibilities as lawful members of society—obeying just laws, paying taxes, voting conscientiously, and working for the welfare of our communities. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “Our heavenly citizenship never exempts us from earthly responsibility. Rather, it compels us to serve with integrity, humility, and justice.” (Serving in Two Kingdoms, 2021)
Yet our obedience to earthly authorities is not without limit. When human laws conflict with God’s commands, we must obey God rather than men. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “The Christian honors Caesar until Caesar demands what belongs to God. Our loyalty is first and last to Christ.” (The Courage of the Kingdom, 2020)
Christian citizenship also involves witness. We live publicly as disciples of Jesus—in our speech, our conduct, and our convictions. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “To be a citizen of heaven is not to withdraw from the world but to live in it with truth, love, and hope. We are ambassadors of Christ in every nation.” (Public Discipleship, 2021)
Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “Our earthly citizenship is temporary, but meaningful. We must never idolize the nation, nor despise it—but seek its good with gospel clarity and eternal perspective.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)
“The Christian obeys rulers not for fear, but for conscience. Yet if they command what is evil, he must obey God.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Justice and Law, c. 370 AD
“Let the Christian be known not by rebellion, but by righteousness. In honoring the law, he honors the Lord—unless the law denies the Lord.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Romans 13, c. 390 AD
“The faithful live in every city as citizens, yet their true homeland is above. They love all, and are persecuted by all, for they are not of this world.” – Epistle to Diognetus, Anonymous, c. 2nd century AD
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
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
