We believe that Jesus is the central person that Christians across the world and throughout history follow and worship. He was born about 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, a date celebrated each year at Christmas. The story of his birth, life, death and resurrection is told in the four gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Jesus is our window into God. He showed the nature of God’s love as he wept when a friend died, healed the sick and showed special care for all who were bereaved, marginalised or in any kind of need. He taught the values of love, respect and dignity of every person. He treated all people equally from the poorest beggar to the wealthiest monarch, women as well as men. He had a particular concern for those whom others looked down on.
After Jesus returned to his Father in heaven (his “ascension”) God sent his Holy Spirit to empower and encourage the early Church. In the same way, men and women in every generation since have been inspired to tell the good news of Jesus.
Members of the Church of England today can trace their Christian roots right back to the first disciples of Jesus. The basis of our faith today is the Bible, the writings of the early church (the Fathers) and reason. We are part of the Anglican Communion which has a worldwide membership of 70 million across 161 countries, all of whom relate to the ancient office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who delegates his authority to our own Bishop, Bishop Graham of Norwich.
In summary:
- We believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour.
- We believe that we are called to Follow him and model our lives on him.
- We believe that we are called to demonstrate his love with all whom we meet, in word and deed.
- We believe that we are not to judge others but to love and serve all in Jesus’ name.
- We believe that our church communities are open and welcoming to all.