Holy Trinity Church, Stanley MissionChristians understand God as Triune, as a unity of Father, Son and Spirit, three Persons in one Godhead. The essence of Father, Son and Spirit is identical, not merely similar. The doctrine of the Trinity is, in many ways, at the core of all other Christian doctrines and beliefs.

Some criticize the doctrine by charging that the word "Trinity" appears nowhere in the Bible - and indeed the term is said to have been coined by Tertullian in the early 3rd century. Yet he did not invent a new idea, but gave us a snappy, concise way to refer to this complex, profound and essential component of the Christian faith.

"There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts or passions; of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; the Maker, and Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."  -- Articles of Religion #1, BCP p. 699