Church History

As Anglican bodies, the APCK and its affiliates have a form of worship (Common Prayer) that was revived by the Church of England and the Lutheran bodies in Germany and Scandinavia during the Protestant Reformation. But they also consider themselves to be an integral part of the Universal (Catholic) Church, with clergy in full possession of Apostolic Orders. Mindful of that, they endeavor to teach and practice the Faith in a way that maintains the doctrine and practice of the first Christian millennium, when most of Christendom was united. Classical Anglicans base all their doctrines on the Bible (a principle reasserted in the Reformation), yet insist that it be read and applied in a manner consistent with the way previous generations of Christians have read and applied it. Hence, they reject modern schools of interpretation that are in conflict with the consensus that existed among believers in matters of faith and practice before the Great Schism of 1054 between the eastern and western halves of the Church. They view progress in the Church’s mission as the extension of ancient principles to new circumstances.

That consensus was expressed preeminently in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, and classical, High Church Anglicans believe that it must be the basis for any movements to reunite the Church today. They are careful not to adopt any new doctrine or practice that will make such reunion more difficult, and, as mere custodians of what has been handed down to them, they do not believe they possess the authority to undertake major innovations in how the Church worships or what it teaches. Where modern Christians need to be creative, even experimental, is in their methods of evangelism, the purpose of which is to bring sinners to Christ, encourage them to become active members of His Church in some clerical or lay ministry, and dedicate themselves to a life of service.