Ask the Church

What Do Anglicans Believe About Mary?

What do Anglicans believe about Mary, the mother of Jesus? This edition of Ask the Church explores the Anglican view by asking three key questions: What must we believe? What may we believe? And what do we set aside as inconsistent with Scripture and tradition? From Mary’s role as Theotokos (God-bearer) to questions about perpetual virginity, the Assumption, and the Immaculate Conception, this teaching shows how Anglicans honor Mary as the greatest of the saints while keeping Christ at the center.

Why Pray Prewritten Prayers?

Why pray words that aren’t your own? From the Psalms to the Lord’s Prayer, the Bible is filled with examples of God’s people using pre-written prayers in worship. Far from stifling authenticity, these prayers connect us to the wisdom, breadth, and unity of the Church through the ages—helping us pray in ways we might never think of on our own. In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore the biblical roots of pre-written prayers and how they can enrich both personal and corporate prayer today.

What About Fasting?

Jesus said, “when you fast,” not “if.” From the Sermon on the Mount to Acts 13, Scripture describes fasting as a normal part of Christian life—joined always to prayer, directed always toward God. This edition of Ask the Church unpacks the biblical foundations of fasting, its purpose in seeking God’s presence and expressing repentance, and how to begin the practice faithfully and sustainably.

Clergy Shirts & Collars

Ever wondered why clergy wear that distinctive white “dog collar” or tab collar—and what all the shirt colors mean?

In this episode of Ask the Church, we dive into:

  • How the 19th-century “dog collar” (clerical collar) was invented and why it stuck

  • What the tab collar mimics and why

  • The difference between clergy shirt colors in Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions

Whether you're curious about church history, clerical attire, or simply spotting clergy in the wild, this video offers a thoughtful, accessible take.

The Procession of the Spirit

In this episode of Ask the Church, we unpack one of the most debated lines in the Nicene Creed: “who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” Why did the Western Church add “and the Son”? Why do Eastern Christians omit it? And what does it tell us about the dynamic life of the Trinity?

In five minutes, we'll discuss:

  • The biblical basis for the Spirit’s procession (John 15:26)

  • How the concepts of “eternal source,” “eternal begetting,” and “eternal procession” help us understand the three Persons of the Trinity

  • The history and impact of the Filioque controversy and the Great Schism

  • Anglican flexibility in confessing or omitting the “and the Son” (Filioque) clause

The Sign of the Cross

In this episode of Ask the Church, we explore the meaning, history, and practice of the sign of the cross. Is it biblical? Is it required? And why do so many Christians—especially Anglicans—use this gesture in worship?

In under five minutes, you'll learn:

  • How the sign of the cross helps unite our heart, mind, and body in worship

  • When it's commonly used during worship

  • How it functions as a “physical prayer” rather than a rote ritual

  • Why it's not required—but can be spiritually enriching

The Apocrypha

What is the Apocrypha—and why should Christians read it? In this episode of Ask the Church, we explore the history, purpose, and spiritual value of this “second canon” of books written in the centuries before Christ. Often overlooked or misunderstood, the Apocrypha offer rich insight into Jewish heritage, wisdom literature, and the cultural backdrop of the New Testament.

What Should I Call a Member of the Clergy?

In this episode of Ask the Church, we tackle a common but often confusing question: What should I call a member of the clergy? From "Father" to "Parson," "Pastor" and "Minister" to "The Reverend," we explore the historical, theological, and cultural reasons behind various titles—and why sometimes, just using a first name is perfectly fine.