“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:26–27 (BSB)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.” — Hebrews 12:1 (BSB)
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.” — Ephesians 4:4 (BSB)
“When the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld.” — Revelation 6:9 (BSB)
This doctrine affirms that believers share not only a common faith, but also a mutual responsibility. As 1 Corinthians 12 teaches, we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Our lives are not our own—we are knit together in the life of the Church. Bishop John Stott wrote, “The communion of saints is the fellowship of all who are in Christ. It stretches across geography, denominations, and even the veil of death.” It is a communion in grace, prayer, sacrament, and hope.
The Thirty-Nine Articles echo this vision. Article XIX teaches that the Church is the whole “congregation of faithful men,” not confined to a particular place or age. In the Book of Common Prayer, we pray “with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven,” recognizing our unity with the Church triumphant. At Holy Communion, especially, we experience the communion of saints in the most tangible way—gathering at one table with believers in every place and age.
Bishop Lancelot Andrewes beautifully described the communion of saints as “the Church militant here on earth united with the Church triumphant above, one army under one banner.” Similarly, Bishop N.T. Wright reminds us, “The saints in glory are not distant or idle—they are alive in Christ, awaiting resurrection, and cheering us on.” This doctrine encourages us to persevere in faith, supported by the prayers and example of those who have gone before.
To confess “the communion of saints” is to rejoice in the unity of God’s people across all barriers. It gives dignity to our worship, meaning to our suffering, and joy to our fellowship. We are not isolated believers—we are part of a great family in Christ, from every nation and generation. We are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” and sustained by a communion that death itself cannot sever.
Cyprian emphasized the essential unity of believers in the one Body of Christ.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) taught: “The Church is the communion of saints—a fellowship of all who are sanctified in Christ, both living and departed.” — Sermon 214
Augustine affirmed the enduring fellowship of believers across life and death.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD) said: “We remember those who have fallen asleep before us… believing that great benefit accrues to the souls of those for whom the supplication is offered.” — Catechetical Lectures, 23.9
Cyril saw intercessory prayer as a tangible expression of the communion between the Church on earth and in heaven.
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD) declared: “The Church, though scattered throughout the world, preserves the same faith… and proclaims it with one voice, as though living in a single house.” — Against Heresies, 1.10.2
Irenaeus highlighted the spiritual unity of the global Church as one family of saints.
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD) stated: “The Church is one—those who serve God in heaven and those who serve Him on earth are not divided but united in one holy fellowship.” — Homilies on Ezekiel, 1.9
Gregory emphasized the seamless bond between the Church militant and the Church triumphant.
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.
