Episcopal :
The word “Episcopa” was derived from the Greek for Bishop refers to the Church’s hierarchical structure in valid Apostolic succession.
The ICM Church is Episcopal as it is being governed by the Episcopas / Bishops under valid Apostolic succession of Petrine, Orthodox and Anglican lineages as received from the Communion of Evengelical Episcopal Churches, USA.
The ICM Church believes in the three fold ministry referred to the roles of Jesus Christ as prophet, priest and the king. In the early Church, the tree-fold ministry referred to bishops, priests and deacons which is being practised by the ICM Church.
Liturgical:
Liturgy is a Greek word that means the customary public ritual of worship performed by a Church / religious group. As a religious phenomenon, liturgy represents a communal response to and participation in the sacred through activities reflecting praise, thanksgiving, remembrance, supplication, or repentance and communion. This is an ancient way of praying together.
The ICM Church is a Church that follows a structured order of worship / liturgy in its services as per the Book of Common Prayer.
The Book of Common Prayer is the collection of rites, blessings, liturgies and prayers used throughout the Anglican communion, which is central to the ICM Church’s worship. It’s a symbol of unity and a key part of Anglican identity. It’s a source of teaching and devotion for individuals and congregations. The First English Prayer Book was published in the year 1549 during the reign of King Edward VI of England primarily prepared by Thomas Cranmer who became the Arch Bishop of Canterbury in 1533. Then the 1662 edition ( after around 360 years ). The 1979 edition was the most recent revision.
The ICM Church is using the Book of Common Prayer in English version apart from Telugu translation.
The ICM Church follows 39 Articles of Religion and accepts the ancient creeds of Nicene and Apostles.
We believe in the Holy Bible as comprised of the old and new testaments ( 66 books ) is the divinely inspired word of God and is the ultimate authority for salvation.
The ICM Church regards and practices the 02 Holy sacraments : The Holy Baptism and the Holy Communion. And regards confirmation, ordination ( holy orders ), holy matrimony, reconciliation and holy unction.
Evangelical :
The term “evangelical” comes from the Greek word “euangelion” and Latin “evangelism” which means “good news”. Martin Luther and his followers were known as Evangelicals in the 16 th century.
The ICM Church is evangelical in practice which emphasizes biblical faith, personal conversion, piety, and, in general the Protestant rather than the Catholic heritage of the Anglican communion by keeping the importance of the episcopal form of the church government, the sacraments and liturgical worship. The founders of the Church emphasized evangelism, social welfare and missions and they established India Christian Mission in India in 1897 as was the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 1701, the London Missionary Society in 1795, the Church Missionary Society in 1799, the Colonial and Continental Church Society in 1838 and so on.