What do we believe?

The best statement of what CACINA believes is found in the Nicene Creed. All the essentials of the Catholic faith are found in this one short document written seventeen hundred years ago. We recite it every Sunday as part of the celebration of the Eucharist.

Although understandings of the Nicene Creed differ, it represents a tie binding Catholics with Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, and some Protestants churches in a shared statement about God and God's relationship to the world. We also accept two other statements of faith, the Apostle's Creed and the Athanasian Creed.

In common with other branches of the Catholic Church, CACINA believes in the sacraments of Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick. We believe that the Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary for salvation. We believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharistic elements of bread and wine. We accept and are guided by the spirit of the teachings of the seven Ecumenical Councils held between 325CE and 787CE. We look to the sacred traditions of the Catholic faith, interpreted in the light of contemporary knowledge and understanding, to guide us in matters of faith and worship.

Finally, we find in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ an imperative to reach out to our brothers and sisters in love and friendship, to care for those who need our assistance, to strive for a world in which peace and justice prevail and the dignity of every human being is recognized and honored, and to spread the liberating Good News of the Gospel each day of our lives.

Want more detailed information? Read our official Statement of Beliefs and Statement of Principles.