The Church of England -

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St John's is a parish church within the Church of England. The Church of England as we know it was formed with an event known as the 'Elizabethan Settlement' under Queen Elizabeth I. The Church of England is a national church with a local expression in every community across England. The identity and beliefs of the Church of England are clearly set forth in the Canons (rules governing the church). 

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“The Church of England is part of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church worshipping the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It professes the faith uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the catholic creeds, which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim afresh in each generation. Led by the Holy Spirit, it has borne witness to Christian truth in its historic formularies, the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, The Book of Common Prayer and the Ordering of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.”

(Canon C15)

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“The doctrine of the Church of England is grounded in the Holy Scriptures, and in such teachings of the ancient Fathers and Councils of the Church as are agreeable to the said Scriptures. In particular such doctrine is to be found in the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, The Book of Common Prayer, and the Ordinal”

(Canon A5)

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For more about the beliefs of the Church of England, visit our 'Our Beliefs' page. 

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The Church of England's structures and language can often be baffling! Here's a set of infographics that explains where St John's is situated in the big picture of the Church of England: