The 39 Articles of Religion: Articles XIX and XX, Of the Church

The next series of articles concern the Church, the family of God and the Body of Christ. When we say the word "Church" what do we mean? And why do we need the Church and where does it get its authority? As the Church of England broke away from the Church of Rome, those questions needed answering. These articles also provide a justification for the break with Rome and why the break had to be made. These articles help us understand our distinctiveness and why we are who we are.

XIX. Of the Church.

The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same. As the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch, have erred; so also the Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of Faith.

XX. Of the Authority of the Church.

The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies, and authority in Controversies of Faith: and yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain anything that is contrary to God's Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another.  Wherefore, although the Church be a witness and a keeper of Holy Writ, yet, as it ought not to decree any thing against the same, so besides the same ought not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of Salvation.