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Our Beliefs

We Are Called to Serve

What We Believe

Lakeland is a beautiful community located between Tampa and Orlando. All Saints' is located in the historical district, and we are an important part of the spiritual heart of downtown Lakeland.


We believe that God has assigned a unique role to All Saints’ Episcopal Church. The central value of All Saints’ Episcopal Church is to make an impact on the world with the message of Jesus Christ.


Here are some phrases that describe us at All Saints':

  • Faithful to the Holy Scriptures;
  • A warm and loving fellowship;
  • Intentional and joyful about our worship;
  • Anglo-Catholic and Evangelical;
  • Family-friendly;
  • Focused on preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ;
  • A heart for outreach to our Lakeland community;
  • Innovative, while keeping reverence;
  • A place for all ages to grow as Christ's disciples and to serve Him.


As Protestants, our beliefs are shaped by scripture, tradition, and reason, and we recognize the significance of the two sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ: Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist.

“Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secretes are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name: through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

― Book of Common Prayer
Download The Book of Common Prayer

As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. 

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.   


The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.


Core to our Beliefs:


Book of Common Prayer 


“It is a most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offense be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 9). 

The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer. 


The Bible 


“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 236). 


The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible. 


Baptismal Covenant 


“Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292). 

A mini-catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith. 


The Catechism 


Offered in a question-and-answer format, the catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862) helps teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith. 


The Creeds 


“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 851). 

In the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us. 


The Sacraments 


“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857). 

Besides Holy Baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith. 

Found in the Book of Common Prayer, these include: 

  • Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419 
  • Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452 
  • Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438 
  • Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555 
  • Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467 


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