Site Glossary

The sin of a baptized and professing Christian who denies a doctrine of the faith. Distinct from apostasy and schism.

A 19th-century missionary bishop and martyr, who was put to death by Ugandans along with other missionaries. Feast day: Oct. 29.

A 14th-century English writer, mystic, and anchoress (a solitary monastic), the first English woman of letters. In her writing, she refers to both God the Father and Jesus as “our Mother,” emphasizing their lovingkindness to humanity. Feast day: May 8.

A second-century Greek bishop and theologian. Feast day: June 28.

Burial, the placing of the body or cremated remains of a deceased person in a grave or columbarium. From the Latin in terra meaning “in the earth.”

Spoken and written language that intentionally avoids using words that are needlessly gender-specific or exclusive.

The act by which Christians believe God chose to become fully present as human flesh in the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

A first-century Greek bishop, theologian, and martyr who played a key role in the development of the episcopate and the threefold order of deacon, priest, and bishop. Feast day: Oct. 17.

A 12th-century French monk, bishop, and friend of the oppressed, especially lepers and Jews. Feast day: Nov. 17.

A 16th-century English theologian who provided a theological justification for an English church independent from the Roman Catholic Church. He advocated Scripture, reason, and tradition as the sources of Anglican authority. Feast day: Nov. 3.

Generally, an altar on a platform higher than the rest of the church floor, placed against the east wall. Many churches now feature a free-standing altar, prominently placed and not remote from the people, as a sign of unity for the Eucharistic gathering.

A 17th-century English priest considered to be one of the chief devotional poets of the Anglican Communion. Feast day: Feb. 27.