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The Episcopal Church

The Cathedral of St. Philip is the "Mother Church" of the Diocese of Atlanta, one of over 100 dioceses that constitute the Episcopal Church in the United States. Our diocese is also part of a confederation of dioceses that constitute the worldwide Anglican Communion – churches that are in communion with the See of Canterbury (the Archbishop).

As the creeds describe the Church, we are part of one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. "We continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers" (Acts 2:42).

Along with the creeds, we hold that the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Eucharist are "generally necessary to salvation," the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary to salvation, and that the laity and the apostolic order of bishops, priests and deacons constitute the ministry of the church.

Believing in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Anglicanism has not remained static, and has always tried to follow God's will in every movement in the history of Christianity. It works and prays for the unity of Christendom in accord with the prayer of our Lord "that they all may be one."

The Cathedral's Mission

The purpose of the Cathedral of St. Philip is to carry out its primary mission of proclaiming God's kingdom:

  • by prayer and worship, in ways varied and rich, traditional and innovative, in large groups and small;
  • by witness in proclaiming the Gospel in word and deed, in seeking to awaken and deepen personal commitment to Jesus Christ and His Body in and through the power of the Holy Spirit, in making Jesus Christ known to the unchurched, and in giving the example of Christians of different visions and viewpoints living together in love, respect, and mutual reconciliation in Christ; example of Christians of different visions and viewpoints living;
  • by serving, as Christ served, in promoting justice, peace, and love, both in ministry within the Cathedral parish family and outreach ministry to the community and the world.

The Cathedral has a special mission of support to the bishops and to the Diocese of Atlanta, as well as to the Metropolitan Atlanta to work for and manifest the unity of all people with God and with each other in Jesus Christ.

These missions are to be carried out through the ministry of all the members of the Cathedral in accordance with their stewardship and spiritual gifts, and within the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church and the broad tradition and cherished freedom of the Anglican Communion throughout the world.