A catechism is a set of questions and answers developed by a religious body to offer foundational teaching to its members on the content of the faith. Sometimes, a catechism is very detailed, specific, and prescriptive. The catechism of The Episcopal Church, titled “An Outline of the Faith” in the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845–862), is more basic and descriptive. According to its introduction, it “is not meant to be a complete statement of belief and practice.” Instead, it provides general information on a variety of topics as “a point of departure for the teacher” or “a brief summary of the Church’s teaching for an inquiring stranger who picks up a Prayer Book” (p. 844).

Its content is arranged according to a series of themes: human nature, God the Father, the old covenant, the Ten Commandments, sin and redemption, God the Son, the new covenant, the creeds, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Scriptures, the church, the ministry, prayer and worship, the sacraments, Holy Baptism, the Holy Eucharist, other sacramental rites, and the Christian hope.