Basic Beliefs

The ICCEC stands squarely on the historic, undisputed teachings of orthodox Christianity as taught by Jesus, spread by the Apostles, defended by the Patriarchs of the Early Church, expressed in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, and exemplified by the undivided Catholic Church during the first millennium of its existence. We believe that these things taken together, with Jesus first, contain the substantial deposit of Christian Faith and Order delivered to the Church.

Theologically we stand in union with all churches who profess the necessary tenets of Faith as outlined in our San Clemente Declaration of 1999*. Additionally, we maintain the validity of God's grace imparted through the seven traditional sacraments of the Church (i.e., Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Confession & Reconciliation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Healing/Unction).

Since the ICCEC stands as a bridge between the protestant and catholic formulations of faith, our basic beliefs hold in common the essentials of orthodoxy (i.e., "that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, by all") found in Eastern Orthodoxy, Western Catholicism, and the Reformed traditions. Accordingly, we cannot walk in fellowship with those who deny the essentials of faith; those who would "move an ancient boundary stone" (Proverbs 22:28). Among those beliefs we would underscore and commend the following:

• A high view of Holy Scripture in affirming the critical importance of preaching, public reading of the Word, and personal Bible study;

• A high view of the Sacraments in imparting the grace of God, particularly through the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist;

• A high view of the Church in affirming Cyprian's claim that, "he who has not the Church for his mother, has not God for his Father;"

• The doctrine of saving grace by faith as reinforced by both the Reformers and the Council of Trent;

• The real and present work of the Holy Spirit through gifts and signs as imparted to believers for service and witness as rediscovered during this century by the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements.

In this sense the ICCEC is wholly orthodox, wholly evangelical, wholly sacramental, and wholly charismatic.