Frequently Asked Questions

Anglicanism is often described as a “via media” or middle way between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. We embrace the richness of liturgy and sacrament while honouring individual conscience and the authority of Scripture.

For more exploration of our beliefs visit our Being Anglican page

The prayer books for the Anglican Church are rooted in the Book of Common Prayer, which established in the 16th century. Over time, this prayer book has evolved and been adapted to reflect local contexts and theological developments.

In Canada we have the Book of Alternative Services (BAS). Introduced in 1985 the BAS offers modernized worship and contemporary language. Despite its name “alternative,” the BAS has become the primary worship text of the Anglican Church of Canada.

Anglicanism is often described as a “via media” or middle way; keeping the balance between traditional catholic structures while adopting reformed theology.   We embrace the richness of liturgy and sacrament and an episcopal polity, while honouring the authority of Scripture.

A typical Sunday service lasts between one hour and an hour and a half. It includes music, scripture readings, prayers, a sermon, and either a service of the Word or Holy Communion. You’ll be given a leaflet to help you follow along, and you’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. Many parishes also offer a coffee hour or refreshments after the service, providing an opportunity to meet people and continue the conversation.

Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist, is at the heart of Anglican worship. Following Jesus’ example at the Last Supper, we gather around bread and wine to remember his life, death, and resurrection, give thanks to God, and receive spiritual nourishment for our lives of faith.

All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion. If you are not baptized or prefer not to receive, you can come forward for a blessing (crossing your arms over your chest) or remain in your seat.

Every parish has it’s own character, but Anglican worship follows a familiar pattern. You’ll be welcomed and given a service leaflet, prayer book, or access to a screen to help you follow along. You’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable, an d if you have questions, a greeter, church leader, or another member of the congregation will be happy to help. Most parishes also offer coffee and fellowship after the service, providing an opportunity to connect with others. Learn more about what to expect on our Visiting An Anglican Church Page.

Children are always welcome in worship! Many parishes offer Sunday School, nursery care, or activity bags. Ask a greeter about what is available.

In Anglican worship, people may sit, stand, or kneel at different points of the service, but you are welcome follow others or to do what is comfortable and accessible for you. Some people kneel for prayer or to receive Communion, while others remain standing or seated.

There is no dress code for Anglican churches. Some people dress casually, while others prefer more formal clothing.

If you’re visiting, you’re our guest, and there is no expectation that you make a financial contribution. During many services, an offering is collected to support the ministry and mission of the church. If you choose to give, your generosity is always deeply appreciated. 

Becoming an Anglican is a journey, not a destination. You become an Anglican by joining an Anglican community of faith, worshipping together, and committing to following Jesus in the ways of the Anglican church. Everyone’s path happens at their own pace. Feel free to explore, connect, and learn before you make a commitment through baptism, confirmation, or reception. Your first step would be to find an Anglican church and join them for a worship service.  Learn more on our Becoming Anglican page.

Baptism is the initiation rite into the family of God, an unrepeatable sign of belonging to Christ. No matter what age someone is baptized, they are part of the Body of Christ, and this belonging is God’s action, not ours. Therefore, Anglican theology holds that baptism happens once, no matter what Christian tradition you were baptized in. However, if you would like to reaffirm your baptism as an adult, you might consider confirmation as an opportunity to reclaim your faith and renew your commitment to live as a Christian.

Confirmation is when one publicly confirms their faith before the bishop. It is a personal commitment to follow Jesus and fulfil one’s baptismal vows, often undertaken by young people and those returning to the church . During the confirmation service, the bishop lays hands on the confirmands and prays for the Holy Spirit to strengthen them for a lifetime of Christian living. If you were baptized as a child (Anglican or another church, confirmation may be an opportunity to  renew your commitment to follow Jesus.

Everyone’s spiritual faith journey is different. Anyone can come and join in with a worshipping Anglican community. Often churches will offer an inquiry or newcomers course to help you explore more of what it means to be a Christian. If you desire to be baptized or confirmed, there are several weeks of preparation to participate in these formal rites. If you would like to join the Anglican church from another denomination, you can be formally received by the bishop at a confirmation service.

Anglicans believe that the Holy Scripture – the canonical books of the Old and New Testament – contains all things necessary for salvation. Scripture is the word of God,  interpreted using a balanced approach considering Scripture, Tradition  and Reason. The purpose of reading scripture is to point us to Jesus Christ, who is God’s Word for all creation.

Anglicans believe that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, made possible though Jesus’ life, atoning death and bodily resurrection. Salvation is more than a way to heaven; it is the forgiveness of our sins, adoption into God’s family, and the continual ever deepening union with the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We cannot earn salvation by our merit, works or actions; it is a gift of God received through faith alone. Anglicans believe God’s grace is also conveyed to us through the sacraments of baptism and eucharist, also called holy communion, and that our salvation is a life-long journey where we are transformed over time through our unifying relationship with God and other Christians, known as the Body of Christ.

Whenever Anglicans recite the ancient Apostles’ Creed, they state their belief in “the communion of the saints.” This short phrase has many meanings, primarily “the whole people of God,” and all those who have been baptized into the Body of Christ. However, Anglicans do acknowledge some Christians throughout history who have led particularly holy lives. We remember them on specific calendar days, in which we celebrate their life and witness to us all, while we consider how their lives of faith may encourage us to deepen our own.

Interestingly, the short answer would be no, but that is actually a strength of the Anglican church and its structure. The Diocese of Niagara is one of 30 dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada. And the national Canadian church is one of around 40 different “provinces” or national Anglican churches around the world. There is no central global authority for the different provinces, so each is free to have their own positions on social issues. The dioceses within the Anglican Church of Canada generally agree on such social issues as reconciliation and justice with Indigenous and racialized peoples, women’s ordination, and environmental and economic justice. Many of dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada – including the Diocese of Niagara – uphold equal marriage and full inclusion of all gender and sexual identities, as well as supporting the rights of people with neurodiversity and disabilities.

Everyone’s journey in therapy is different, but research consistently shows that psychotherapy helps many people overcome challenges and improve their lives. The American Psychiatric Association notes that most people who receive therapy experience relief from symptoms and make positive changes in their daily functioning.

Everyone’s journey in therapy is different, but research consistently shows that psychotherapy helps many people overcome challenges and improve their lives. The American Psychiatric Association notes that most people who receive therapy experience relief from symptoms and make positive changes in their daily functioning.

Everyone’s journey in therapy is different, but research consistently shows that psychotherapy helps many people overcome challenges and improve their lives. The American Psychiatric Association notes that most people who receive therapy experience relief from symptoms and make positive changes in their daily functioning.

Everyone’s journey in therapy is different, but research consistently shows that psychotherapy helps many people overcome challenges and improve their lives. The American Psychiatric Association notes that most people who receive therapy experience relief from symptoms and make positive changes in their daily functioning.