Anglican/episcopal Churches

The Book of Common Prayer has traditionally defined the sacramental life of Anglicans and Episcopalians. In addition to the Eucharist and baptism, Anglicans recognize five lesser sacraments. Recently, some congregations have opted for more variety in their liturgical practices. To ascertain what Anglicans have believed, taught, confessed, and practiced regarding the sacraments, we must look at the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (1562) and at the services in the Prayer Books (1549 to the present day). Article XXV states: "Sacraments ordained of Christ be not only badges or tokens of Christian men's profession, but rather they be certain sure witnesses, and effectual signs of grace, and God's good will towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken but also strengthen and confirm our Faith in him. " The article goes on to describe the two Gospel sacraments (baptism and the Supper of the Lord) and five commonly called sacraments (confirmation, penan…