Creed

I affirm that there is ever one Wakantanka (God), who created, through his wisdom, all of creation and that this infinite being made all things seen and unseen.

I affirm that the traditional stories, in all their varieties, of Lakota teachings on the origin and creation of the world are equal to the accounts given in the Holy Bible.

I affirm that the world, and humankind, is imperfect, though it be created and upheld by Wakantanka, and nevertheless that the earth (Unci Maka), is due all respect and reverence.

I affirm that humans are in need of saving, through ritual and right living with Wakantanka and one another.

I affirm that Jesus of Nazareth was sent to be divine Chief and Lord (Itancan) for all people and to save them from death, both spiritual and corporeal.

I affirm that the Pte San Win was sent by Wakantanka to show the first divine ways to the Lakota, and that Jesus our Itancan was sent to show the universal (catholic) divine ways, which are not contrary to hers or hers to his.

I affirm that there is one God, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one oyate.

 

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A Synopsis

The Two Ways, of Pte Sanwin and Jesus Wanikiya, are co-equal and complete together.

The rituals and membership in the Church and in the D/Lakota (or Oceti Sakowin) nation are of equal worth and can be fully syncretized without diminishing either.

 

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Further Reflections, Some Resources

The Lakota Episcopalian faith is a broad and accommodating faith. Many beliefs can be had, so long as the ritual and communal life be kept.

Potential guides for theological formation are as follows:

The Niobrara Catechism

The 39 Articles of Religion

The Catechism (1928)

The Catechism (1979)

The Catholic Creeds*

It can most plainly be seen that these sources offer a Christian view of life (a worldview), and a catholic yet protestant -and reformed- set of beliefs by which to understand the Church and life in Christ. As The Episcopal Church is a “Protestant yet Catholic” or “Middle Way” between Roman Catholicism and Reformed Christianity (whether Lutheran and/or Calvinist), it can be made clear that these catechisms and Articles are a king of Reformed Catholicism. One (an individual Lakota Episcopalian) may affirm or hold to (for example) Catholic or Calvinist views of the Sacraments and rituals of the Church, without losing their place in this faith. What matters is the life of the Wakan Tipi (church) and the oyate (people) and the prayer and ritual which is partaken in.

 

 

 

 

* Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed