Ten Articles

Compiled by Archbishop Cranmer at the insistence of King Henry VIII, and approved by convocation in 1536, this was a list of 10 statements regarding doctrines and ceremonies of the newly independent Church of England.

The Institution of a Christian Man, otherwise known as “the Bishop’s Book,” expanded upon these articles.

Articles related to doctrines: 

1. That Holy Scriptures and the three Creeds are the basis and summary of a true Christian faith.
2. That baptism conveys remission of sins and the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit, and is absolutely necessary as well for children as adults.
3. That penance consists of contrition, confession, and reformation, and is necessary to salvation.
4. That the body and blood of Christ are really present in the elements of the eucharist.
5. That justification is remission of sin and reconciliation to God by the merits of Christ; but good works are necessary.

Articles related to ceremonies:

1. That images are useful as remembrancers, but are not objects of worship.
2. That saints are to be honored as examples of life, and as furthering our prayers.
3. That saints may be invoked as intercessors, and their holydays observed.
4. That ceremonies are to be observed for the sake of their mystical signification, and as conducive to devotion.
5. That prayers for the dead are good and useful, but the efficacy of papal pardon, and of soul-masses offered at certain localities, is negatived.

For more information, see:
The Ten Articles, from the Luminarium Project