First, let’s explain what we mean by Independent Anglo-Catholic. We are not a part of the Roman Catholic Church or The Episcopal Church. We are an independent church that adheres to the theology and practices of the Old Catholic Churches, Union of Utrecht. We use a mostly Anglican liturgy.
At Saint Francis Community Church, we believe that faith is more than just a set of beliefs; it’s a way of life. Our vision is to create a spiritual community that is welcoming, inclusive, and empowering. We strive to be a place where individuals can connect with others, explore their faith, and find guidance and support along the way.
Our core values are rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and we seek to live out these values in everything we do. We believe that love, kindness, and acceptance are essential to a meaningful spiritual experience, and we work to create a space where marginalized and oppressed groups feel valued and respected. We are not an All Are Welcome church. You are welcome if you can stand side by side with others, accepting them as they are, and affirming their beauty and diversity. We would not welcome the individual who has a closed mind and believes that someone is damned to hell just because they love someone of the same gender, or because they are female and are called to ministry, or because they are transgendered. We welcome all who take Jesus’ command to love our neighbor as ourselves and whatever we do to the least of them, we do to Jesus.
Through our various programs and initiatives, we aim to build a community that is actively engaged in the world around us. Whether through community outreach or social justice work, we strive to be a force for good in our city and beyond.
We believe that everyone has a unique spiritual journey, and we are committed to supporting and guiding individuals as they explore their faith. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we work together to create a vibrant and welcoming spiritual community.
Core Values
Some of our core values at SFOCC are:
Eucharistic Worship:
At St. Francis Community Church, our worship is centered around the Eucharist. We believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharistic elements, and while we don’t attempt to fully explain it, we embrace the mystery.
Informal High Church:
We describe ourselves as an informal high church, which means we value meaningful liturgy, incorporating elements like incense and bells into our services. However, our focus is on creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, without being stuffy or rigid.
Ancient & Modern:
We integrate ancient liturgical music and chanting with modern worship music that is rooted in sound theology. This blending of traditions allows us to connect with both the richness of our history and the relevance of contemporary worship.
Everyone Involved:
At St. Francis, our faith is lived out in active participation. We believe that simply occupying a pew isn’t enough; everyone is encouraged to engage in both internal and external ministries. Whether it’s serving as an usher, greeter, or partaking in outreach programs like food pantries and clothes closets, we emphasize the importance of putting our faith into action.
Radical Welcome & Hospitality:
We proudly affirm and embrace the LGBTQ+ community and women at all levels of our church. We actively cultivate relationships and host events that foster interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Radical Transparency:
St. Francis Community Church is a safe space where authenticity is valued. We create an environment where individuals can come as they are, without the need for “masks”, and find support, care, and acceptance.
Faith Building:
We wholeheartedly encourage and engage with questions, recognizing that it is through this process that our faith can grow. We welcome honest exploration and seek to deepen our understanding together.
Faith and Works:
At the core of our beliefs is the understanding that faith without works is empty. While we affirm that we are saved by Grace through faith, we also recognize the importance of demonstrating the fruits of our salvation through our actions and service to others.
Baptism and Confirmation:
For us, baptism and confirmation are not mere ceremonial events but significant expressions of faith. They represent a commitment to follow Christ, and for children, it signifies the parents’ dedication to raising the child in the faith. Regular attendance and active participation in worship are integral parts of our baptismal vows.
Salvation:
We view salvation as an ongoing journey throughout our lives. It is not a one-time event but a continuous process of choosing to follow Christ in every moment, seeking God’s guidance and embodying God’s teachings in our daily lives.
You can read more on our blog post https://www.saintfrancisocc.org/2023/06/13/more-info-about-our-vision/