FAQs about The Church of Our Saviour

As an Anglo-Catholic parish in the diocese of Atlanta, we offer an inclusive spiritual home for anyone who desires transcendent, mystical, and traditional worship of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament, so that we may experience holy fellowship with one another and do the good works that God prepares us to do.

A: Absolutely! We are a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive congregation. As one of our parishioners put it, COOS “celebrates openness and difference, encourages contemplative questioning, and leans into the mysteries of faith. There exists a powerful undercurrent of love that washes over our nave during the mass.”

Q: I am queer and/or trans. Will I be welcomed at COOS?

Q: I grew up Roman Catholic, but I left the church. Will this church be a good fit for me?

A: We have many former Roman Catholics in our congregation (as well as folks from many Christian denominations, non-Christian backgrounds, and people with no religious background whatsoever). Many former Roman Catholics find our worship style and space familiar, yet appreciate the flexibility and open-mindedness of the Episcopal Church.

Q: I believe in evolution and science. What does your church believe about those things?

A: There’s no prescribed belief about evolution or science in the Episcopal Church. People are encouraged to think for themselves! You may believe as you choose. We have several scientists in the congregation, and the subject of science and faith has been the topic of our “Theology on Tap” gatherings.

Q: I’m divorced. Am I able to receive Holy Communion and the other Sacraments?

A: Yes, you may receive Holy Communion and the other Sacraments of the Church if you are divorced. All that is required is that you have been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Ghost). The Book of Common Prayer further states that we should “examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people” before receiving Holy Communion.

Q: I am on the Autism spectrum/am neuro-divergent. Will I be welcomed at COOS?

A: Anglo-Catholicism with its ritual and prescribed forms is particularly attractive for those of us who are neuro-atypical. We welcome parishioners from all walks of life, many of whom have a diagnosis on the Autism spectrum.

Q: What does the “Anglo” in “Anglo-Catholic” mean? Do you welcome people of color into your congregation?

A: Yes, we do welcome people of color! The “Anglo” in the term “Anglo-Catholic” refers to our English heritage, and serves to differentiate us from our Roman Catholic siblings. A church that is “Anglo-Catholic” tends to utilize more ritual and cermonial. Here is a more thorough explanation of what it means. The term “Anglo-Catholic” began to be used in the 19th century and was coined by one of the original founders of the movement, St. John Henry Newman (pictured).

Q: My budget is tight/I’m unhoused. Will I be welcome? Is giving required?

A: There is no requirement to give. The mission and ministry of Church of Our Saviour relies on pledges and donations from parishioners, and we are grateful for every gift. But every person gives as they are able. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)