The Very Rev. A Charles Cannon, III | Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church exists to bear witness to God’s universal love for all people, revealed in God’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ. We who consider ourselves Christians are called “one, united, holy, catholic, and apostolic church,” which expresses God’s creative, never-ending love in and through the Holy and Undivided Trinity.
This love of God is made real in the seven sacraments given to us by Jesus Christ himself: baptism, confirmation, Holy Eucharist, matrimony, Holy Orders, unction (or anointing of the sick and dying), and reconciliation of sinners. These seven sacraments embrace all members of the church, beginning with their baptisms.
We, followers of Jesus Christ, are called to search for God’s children in the “wilderness of this world’s temptations,” and with all God’s people, tell the story of God’s love, baptizing new disciples and nurturing them in the faith. I am committed to ministry shaped by the story of Christian faith, which relies on invitation, welcome, and connection with those who are seeking God. This is the best expression of the Catholic traditions of the church.
Our human lives are connected and are expressed in the gifts of our Christian heritage, which compels us:
• To center our lives on the real presence of Christ in his sacraments.
• To follow a spiritual rule of life with integrity and humility.
• To give and receive hospitality following the example of Jesus.
• To seek the peace and unity of Christ’s church,
• To live in full communion with all the baptized.
• To proclaim by word and example the Gospel of Christ.
• To encourage and equip one another for the ministry of evangelism.
If all Christians commit themselves to this common life and vision, we could see increased faith, hope. and hospitality in our lives. This may include regular prayer for others outside our faith and lead to a change in the way we interact with each other!
