Who We Are

Protestants and Catholics

Christchurch is a congregation of approximately 600 plus persons, - adults and children - that upholds the ideals of both the Protestant and Catholic traditions of the Church. We are committed to preaching, teaching and sharing the Word of God, being a light to those searching for the Truth and witnesses to the power of the Spirit that changes and transforms human lives. We worship in ways that derive from the ancient liturgy of the early Church, as portrayed in the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England, and share in the historic sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Thus we are Anglican, both ancient and contemporary, offering New Life and Historic Faith.

The Anglican Church in North America

Christchurch is a founding member of the Anglican Church in North America(ACNA), the newest province in the worldwide Anglican Communion, the third largest denomination in Christendom. Initially under the archiepiscopal jurisdiction of his Grace, the Most Rev. +Henry Luke Orombi of the Church of Uganda, we have been connected with and been blessed by an ongoing mission relationship with the Diocese of Sebei and its people in Uganda. Since June 2009, Christchurch has been a constituent parish in the transitional Diocese of the Holy Spirit in the ACNA, under the jurisdiction of our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. +John A.M. Guernsey. As the diocese grows and more parishes are established, we look forward to forming a new diocese in our own southeast region.

Leading the Way

Christchurch was one of the very first Anglican parishes to apply for membership jurisdiction in the ACNA and one of the few thus far to have built a new church and adjacent facilities, though the congregation began with nothing but shared faith, and a vision in 2005. Our Rector, Fr. John-Michael van Dyke+ was one of the original First Promise signatories in 1997, a movement standing for faithful, biblical orthodoxy in Anglicanism; he served for several years on the national Steering Committee of the Anglican Communion Network (the ecclesiastical forerunner of the ACNA), and is now a member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese. Parishioner Mose Stuart, IV, serves as Chancellor for the same and is likewise a member of the Standing Committee.