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The Anglican Catechism, To Be a Christian
To Be a Christian is the official catechism of the Anglican Church in North America. Shaped by J.I. Packer and a team of Anglican leaders, the catechism includes over 360 questions and answers covering the full range of Christian doctrine and life.
What is the catechism?
Written to renew the ancient tradition of catechesis for today's church, To Be a Christian draws from the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and other foundational summaries to ground believers in the truth of God's Word.
Understanding the Catechism
Catechesis is the ancient practice of instructing new and maturing believers through question and answer. To Be a Christian revives that tradition for the Anglican communion today.
With over 360 questions and answers—each accompanied by Scripture references—To Be a Christian covers the full range of Christian belief and practice. Approved by the Anglican Church in North America, it is clear, concise, and conversational, designed for use in the local church as both an evangelism and discipleship tool.
Inside the catechism
The Four-Part Journey
The catechism is structured as a progression through the Christian life, from encounter with Christ to greater conformity with Christ’s likeness.
I
Beginning with Christ
What is the gospel? What is the human condition? An introduction to the faith beginning with the person and work of Jesus Christ.
II
Believing in Christ
Exploring the Apostles’ Creed, Holy Scripture, the three articles of faith, and the sacraments. What has the Church believed and confessed through the centuries?
III
Belonging with Christ
Digging into Lord’s Prayer Scripture, prayer, and worship. What are the rhythms and practices of a life lived in communion with God and his Church?
IV
Becoming Like Christ
Unpacking the Ten Commandments and related doctrines. What does it mean to be shaped morally and spiritually into the image of Christ?
The Catechism and the Legacy of J.I. Packer
J.I. Packer (1926–2020) was one of the most beloved and prolific Anglican theologians of the modern era. Packer authored Knowing God, contributed to the ESV translation, and was a lifelong advocate for catechesis and Christian formation. To Be a Christian bears his fingerprints as his final major theological project. It is a fitting capstone to a life devoted to grounding believers in the Word of God.
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Commonly Asked Questions
What is a catechism, and why does the Anglican Church have one?
A catechism is a structured guide to Christian belief and practice, traditionally presented as a series of questions and answers. The Anglican tradition has always included catechesis (the 1662 Book of Common Prayer contains a brief catechism) but To Be a Christian is the first comprehensive modern catechism approved by the Anglican Church in North America. It was written to be more thorough than the 1662 catechism while remaining accessible and missional, serving both as an evangelism tool for new believers and a discipleship tool for maturing Christians.
Who wrote To Be a Christian?
To Be a Christian was produced under the general theological editorship of J.I. Packer and the executive editorship of Joel Scandrett. It is a project of the Committee for Catechesis of the Anglican Church in North America, involving a team of Anglican pastors and scholars. An earlier version was produced in 2014; this edition reflects a more finalized text approved in 2018.
How many questions and answers does it contain?
The catechism contains over 360 questions and answers. Each answer is accompanied by Scripture references in italics, grounding every teaching directly in the biblical text. The questions are printed in bold, answers in regular type — making it easy to use in a call-and-response format in a group or classroom setting.
How is this different from other catechisms, like the Westminster or Heidelberg?
To Be a Christian is distinctly Anglican in its structure and content. It draws from the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments as its organizing framework, follows the BCP tradition of including the sacraments prominently, and quotes church fathers such as Jerome within its answers. The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with the chief end of man (“to glorify God and enjoy him forever”); this catechism begins with the gospel and the human condition as a missional starting point suited to evangelism. It is not intended to replace other catechisms but to serve the Anglican communion specifically.
How should I use this catechism in my parish or small group?
The editors suggest it be “used for courses, shorter or longer, based on groups of questions and answers—ideally in the context of relationship between the catechist and the catechumen.” It works well as a structured curriculum for confirmation classes, adult inquirer groups, or ongoing discipleship programs. The seven appendices also provide liturgical resources (including a rite for admission of catechumens) that can integrate catechesis directly into parish worship.
Is this suitable for new believers, children, or confirmation classes?
To Be a Christian is written primarily for adults and older teens, as it’s comprehensive and assumes some capacity for sustained theological reflection. It is well-suited for confirmation preparation, adult inquirer classes, and new member formation. For younger children (ages 5–12), Anglican House Publishers also carries The Nicene Creed Illustrated and Instructed for Kids, which introduces the creedal foundations of the faith in an age-appropriate format.
Do you offer a clergy discount?
Yes. Anglican House Publishers operates a Clergy Discount Program for clergy and seminarians. Visit the Clergy Discount Program page to learn more and enroll.
Can I order case quantities for my parish?
Yes, intentionally so. The Anglican Liturgy Press hardcover edition is typeset and sized to be a physical companion to the BCP 2019 Pew Edition: same dimensions, typeface family, and general aesthetic. Used together, they form a complete resource for Anglican formation, with the catechism grounding believers in Christian doctrine, and the prayer book shaping their worship and devotion. Both are now available from Anglican House.