Sacraments

A sacrament involves the use of material things as a sign and pledge of God's grace, and as a means by which we receive his gifts. The two parts of a sacrament are the outward and visible sign, and the inward and spiritual grace. Jesus Christ, in the Gospel, appointed for his Church, two sacraments as needed by all Christians for the fullness of life. They are Baptism and Holy Communion.

Sacrament	Outward Sign	Inward Grace
Baptism	Water	Union with Christ in his death and resurrection, the forgiveness of sins, and a new birth in God's family, the Church.
Holy Communion	Bread and Wine	Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the benefit of our union with Christ and his Church, the forgiveness of sins, and the nourishing of our whole being for eternal life.

It is required that persons to be baptised should turn from sin, exclusively embrace the Christian Faith, and give themselves to Christ and to be his servants. Infants are baptised, because, though they are not yet old enough to make promises to God for themselves, others, i.e. their parents and Godparents, making the promises for them, can claim their adoption as children of God.

Besides these two sacraments, the Anglican Church also practises ministries of grace. Although these rites were not directly instituted by Jesus Christ, they are recognised as being ecclesiastical customs which do not contradict the Holy Scriptures, and are practised for the good of the Church and her members.

Ministry	Outward Sign	Inward Grace
Confirmation	Laying on of hands	The Holy Spirit is received to complete what he began in Baptism and to give strength for the Christian life.
Absolution	The priest declares forgiveness of God on the repentant sinner	Receiving God's forgiveness for sins through confession and resolution to make amends according to his law.
Ordination	Laying of hands upon the candidate for Holy Orders of becoming deacon, priest, or bishop	Receiving God's grace and authority to be ministers of God in his Church.
Holy Matrimony	Vows and rings	Seeking God's grace and blessings to fulfill marriage vows as the man and woman enter into a life-long relationship.
Holy Unction	Laying on of hands and anointing with oil	Receiving God's grace for the healing of spirit, mind, and body, in response to faith and prayer.