Statement of Belief

Introduction

St Thomas Aquinas Seminary is a part of the Ancient Catholic Church, and steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of truth, holiness, and service. Our formation programme is rooted in the time-honoured principles of the ancient catholic tradition. Welcoming seminarians from our own Ancient Catholic heritage as well as from other Old Catholic and Independent Movement Churches, we affirm that the sacred deposit of faith—preserved through apostolic succession—remains the radiant guide for both ministry and life.

1. The Triune God

We believe in one eternal God who is revealed in three distinct yet consubstantial Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This mystery of the Trinity is the source of all life and redemption, informing our worship and inspiring our service to the Church and the world.

2. Revelation through Sacred Scripture and Tradition

We affirm that divine revelation is conveyed through both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The Bible, as the inspired word of God, is interpreted within the living context of the Church’s timeless tradition. This dual source of revelation, safeguarded by the authoritative teachings of the Church, ensures that our understanding of the Gospel remains faithful and ever-relevant.

3. The Person and Work of Jesus Christ

Central to our faith is the full divinity and full humanity of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word. Through His earthly ministry, sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension, He has redeemed humanity and secured the promise of eternal life. We embrace Christ as our Redeemer and mediator, modelling for us the path of holiness and service.

4. The Sacramental Life

We recognise the sacraments as the tangible, divinely instituted means by which God’s grace is imparted to the faithful. The celebration of the Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, and other sacred rites not only sanctifies believers but also unites the community in the mystery of Christ’s saving love. We are called to manifest this sacramental life in every moment of our daily walk with God.

5. The Church – The Body of Christ

We affirm that the Church is both a mystical and visible entity, founded by Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. As the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, it is entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and safeguarding the sacred teachings of Christ. The Church’s continuity through apostolic succession and its authoritative teaching ensure the preservation and transmission of the fullness of the faith.

6. Apostolic Succession and Authoritative Teaching

We uphold that apostolic succession is vital to the Church’s identity and integrity. The teachings handed down through this unbroken chain of authority guide our interpretation of Scripture and Tradition, ensuring that our theological reflection and ministerial practice faithfully echo the authentic witness of the Church.

7. Moral and Ethical Life

A life of faith must be mirrored by noble conduct. We call upon all who are formed within our seminary to embrace a moral and ethical life inspired by the Gospel and illumined by reason. Through acts of charity, justice, and compassion, our ministers are tasked with bearing witness to the love of Christ in every facet of life.

8. The Vocation of Ministry and Formation

We recognise the sacred call to minister and serve the diverse needs of the faithful. Our seminary is devoted to nurturing both intellectual rigour and spiritual depth. The comprehensive formation programme we offer integrates academic excellence, pastoral practicum, and a vibrant life of prayer, preparing ministers to lead, inspire, and serve with unwavering integrity and humility.

9. An Ecumenical Commitment

In the spirit of unity intrinsic to the ancient catholic tradition, we welcome seminarians from other Old Catholic and Independent Movement Churches who share our commitment to the sacred deposit of faith. Our shared belief in the eternal truths of the Gospel fosters an atmosphere of mutual enrichment, dialogue, and collaborative witness in today’s diverse world.

Conclusion

At St Thomas Aquinas Seminary, our Statement of Belief is not only a declaration of our doctrinal commitments but also a living guide for personal and ministerial formation. As we continuously cultivate faith, knowledge, and service through our integrated programme, we remain steadfast in our dedication to the divine call, the enduring testimony of our sacred heritage, and the unchanging truth of the Gospel.

This extended Statement of Belief—rooted in the ancient creeds and enriched by the wisdom of St Thomas Aquinas—serves as both a foundation and a roadmap for all who join our seminary, ensuring that the timeless heritage of our ancient catholic tradition continues to illuminate and guide the ministry of tomorrow.

Creeds and Doctrinal Foundations

We hold dear the timeless declarations of our faith as expressed in the ancient creeds. We affirm both the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed as living testimonies to the mystery of God and the redemptive work of Christ.

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth, and of all that is, seen and unseen.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of the Father before all worlds;
Light of Light, very God of very God;
begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, He came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary,
and was made man;
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,
He suffered death and was buried;
On the third day He rose again, in accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead,
and His kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son];
who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified;
who spoke through the prophets.
And we believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church;
we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins;
and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Amen.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.

Having affirmed these sacred creeds, we are inspired by the words of our patron, St Thomas Aquinas:

"Love is the perfection of Christian life."

This profound assertion calls us to pursue truth with a spirit of charity, recognising that our journey towards wisdom is inseparable from our love for God and neighbour.

Foundations of Faith:

The Doctrinal Guide of St Thomas Aquinas Seminary