An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Baptismal Creed, The

The Apostles' Creed, which is stated by the people in the baptismal covenant (BCP, p. 304). The affirmations of the Apostles' Creed are made by the people in response to the celebrant's first three questions in the baptismal covenant. These questions and responses correspond to the three sections of the Apostles' Creed (see BCP, p. 96). The baptismal covenant then continues with five additional questions and responses concerning how the people will live the Christian life. The baptismal covenant is also used at Confirmation (BCP, pp. 416-417). The affirmations of the Apostles' Creed are also made by the people in the Renewal of Baptismal Vows at the Easter Vigil and other baptismal feasts (BCP, pp. 292-293, 312). The Nicene Creed is not used at Baptism, Confirmation, or the Easter Vigil (BCP, p. 312, 412, 295). The text used for the Apostles' Creed is based on the questions and responses of candidates for baptism at Rome in the late second century.

Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.