Basic Beliefs and Principles
The
beliefs are based on the Holy Scripture, Christian Tradition, and Church
Ecumenical Synods.
God
God is one in three divine persons: the Father, who created it all; the
Son, who died for our sins and rose from the dead; the Holy Spirit, who
regenerates and sanctifies souls.
Christ
The Son of God, who became man and died on the cross for our salvation,
is always with believers who try to live according to His teachings.
Holy Spirit
The third person of the Blessed Trinity abides in the Church to teach, govern
and sanctify its members.
Kingdom of God
It is the duty of every Christian to help establish God's Kingdom on earth
through the grace and virtue of love, justice and dedication to the will
of God.
Original Sin
The sin of the "first parents" does not pass to succeeding generations.
The Soul
It is immortal and ultimately destined for eternal life with God.
Salvation
Jesus Christ became man and died on the cross for our salvation.
The Church
The Church is made up of baptized Christians who worship together, partake
of the sacraments, hear and obey the Word of God.
God and Nations
God Wishes all nations to act together in brotherhood and justice.
Parish-owned Property
Church property is owned by the people who purchase, build and maintain
it.
Language of Worship
Masses are celebrated in the language of the people, so that all worshipers
can understand God's message.
Celibacy
Since 1921, bishops and priests have been permitted to marry.
Divorce
Divorce is not recognized, but a marriage may be annulled by the Church.
Teaching on Homosexual Conduct
"The Church cannot in any way approve of or condone homosexual conduct.
(...) Homosexual 'lifestyle' is wrong because it is inconsistent with Christian
sexual ethics and morality. (...) At the same time, the Church's rejection
of homosexual conduct does not represent a rejection of homosexual persons.
They, like all others, stand in need of God's grace, forgiveness, and healing
when they have sinned. The Church offers them this, above all through the
Sacraments of Penance (Reconciliation) and the Holy Eucharist." (from Church's
document: Called to Faithfulness: The Church and Homosexual Conduct.)
