Values & Vision
Our Values
A Mystical Path with a Progressive Edge
We are open and progressive in our approach to matters of faith and social issues and we are rooted in the ancient Anglican tradition. We see our experience in the light of those who have gone before and with a vigilant eye toward those who are yet to come. We often say that we exist more for those who are not yet with us, or will never be with us, than we do for ourselves alone. This is a place where questioning is welcome, where you are not required to abandon your intellect or your doubts while you deepen your sense of faith. As we value the beauty and richness of our Anglican heritage of music, liturgy, poetry, and prayer, we seek fresh ways of bringing new life to that tradition.
We are proud to be a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion, representing over 80 million Christians throughout the world, the majority of whom are now in Africa. Our origins are in the Church of England, born of the Reformation in the period of Henry VIII in the 16th century, yet retaining the liturgy and spiritual traditions of the ancient Christian church. Ours is a remarkably flexible and open tradition, including elements of both Protestantism and Catholicism, as well as one that takes an honest approach to the pursuit of truth. In many ways this is a poetic spiritual path that encourages questioning and allows for considerable room to breathe.
Welcome for All
All Souls Parish strives to welcome all who come to us—young and old, families and singles, couples, and people of all backgrounds and racial and ethnic groups. Children are celebrated at the heart of our life together. We are an Oasis congregation, which means we have made a commitment to be a haven for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people.
The All Souls Vision
We affirm a Gospel of the universal, unconditional, inclusive love of God in Jesus Christ. This understanding of the Gospel calls us to welcome all who seek Christ into our communion and our community, and to honor them for who they are. It also reminds us to keep reaching out to those who are not yet with us.
We embrace the priesthood of all believers. Our goal of growing the church has led us to encourage lay ministry in worship, in program leadership and service, and in our efforts to pastor each other.
We put children and youth at the center of the life of this church. Strengthening this commitment does not come at the exclusion of others, but recognizes that children and youth, as much as adults, are the Body of Christ today.
We make our liturgy fresh, vital, and inclusive. We support both the faithful use of traditional forms and the inclusion of formal, informal, and new liturgies to celebrate God’s love.