At every baptism the congregation has the opportunity to
renew our journey of faith by reciting with those about to be baptized (or
their sponsors) the Baptismal Covenant, better known as the Apostles’ Creed. In 1985 with the publication of the Book of
Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada an additional five
questions were asked. As far as I can
tell these questions, each with its origin in scripture, were original to the
BAS. It has been copied by other parts of the Anglican Church and other
denominations.
The first part of the Covenant concerns itself with
beliefs: what do Christians believe? We
believe in God, we believe in Jesus Christ, we
believe in the Holy Spirit. In the early
Church, when people came to be baptized and made members, belief was only half
the concern. They were also concerned,
as are we, with questions about what Christians do. Faith is, after all, primarily a question of
action.
So, the five questions
helped the newly baptized, their sponsors and the whole community remember what
we have committed to do as baptized people. We will: 1) continue in fellowship and prayer; 2) resist
evil and repent; 3) proclaim by word and example the good news; 4) love our
neighbour as our self, and; 5) strive for justice and peace.
I love these five
questions. I think they are the best of
what the BAS has to offer the modern Church. It expresses so wonderfully our common
responsibility as people in Covenant with God to strive to be in right
relationship with God and with one another.
At the General Synod of
the Anglican Church of Canada in July of this year, these questions were
improved upon. Our faith, guided by the
Holy Spirit evolves. Now we express in
the liturgy that true righteousness means being in right relationship with God,
our neighbour and with God’s creation. A sixth question was added.
Will you strive to
safeguard the integrity of God’s creation, and respect, sustain and renew the
life of the Earth? - I will, with God’s help.
Amen! Alleluia!
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