About Us
We are young, we are old. We are straight, gay, lesbian and transgender. We come to church in one, twos, threes, fours and more. We treasure being family to all members of our congregation. We are a welcoming, open, and diverse church that values both tradition and creativity.
We belong to the Episcopal Church, and welcome all who wish to worship with us, wherever they are on their faith journey. We value beautiful worship services that appeal to the intellect and to the senses. We encourage curiosity about the scriptures. We enjoy considering the implications of our developing faith in the lives we lead in the world. And we throw great parties!
Our place in the community
Holy Innocents is a neighborhood church — woven into this community and caring about many of the same things you do: our children, our elders and homebound neighbors, street safety and crime, affordable housing and healthcare, justice for all, and the needs of those who are unhoused or living with mental health challenges.
We are also a gathering place. Holy Innocents provides meeting space for NERT trainings, community groups, Music Together, and a number of 12-step programs.
If your group is looking for space, or you would like to host an event, please reach out to the church office — we would love to welcome you.
Our Tradition
We celebrate the rituals of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican tradition. The Eucharist (bread and wine) is the central focus of our worship. We invite everyone to participate in the Eucharist at the altar or remain seated if preferred.In addition to our regular worship services, we also have special services, such as Christmas Lessons & Carols, Evensongs, and Holy Week services.
About the “Holy Innocents”
The Holy Innocents are the male children slaughtered by King Herod as we read in Matthew, Chapter 2. Considered the first martyrs of the Church, these innocents were killed as fearful leaders and corrupt authorities felt challenged by a newborn boy proclaimed King by angels and Magi. As we came to know Jesus, we have come to learn that his kingship is shared with us all and his leadership asks us to follow his path of service and love. We celebrate our patronal feast on December 28, and celebrate the ministry and presence of children. We are especially reminded of our role in protecting the most vulnerable from injustices, abuse, and neglect. Our children’s ministry at Holy Innocents is a cherished part of our tradition.
About the Episcopal Church
The name “Episcopal” comes from the Greek word episkopos, which means “bishop” or “overseer.” The leaders of our church are called “bishops,” and we are called “Episcopalians.”
The Episcopal Church is a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Birthed out of the Reformation, the Church of England embraced an Enlightenment theology of decision-making and community. Commonly called the Three Legged Stool, our theology respects traditions, culture, and reason (intellect, wisdom, and experience) in the way we approach complex twenty-first century challenges and communities.
The Anglican Communion is headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The head of The Episcopal Church is Presiding Bishop, the Most Reverend Sean W. Rowe.
The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California is the Right Reverend Austin Keith Rios.
Holy Innocents sends representatives to the San Francisco Deanery and to the Annual Diocesan Convention.
What do we believe?
Episcopalians hold three primary sources in discerning God and the world:
Scripture — We believe God speaks through the Bible, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and offering wisdom for a holy and grounded life. Scripture is sacred and authoritative — and is interpreted in conversation with tradition and reason.
Tradition — The prayers, practices, and theological reflection of the Church through history continue to shape us. We trust that the Spirit has spoken and still speaks through the generations.
Reason — Following Richard Hooker, Anglicans understand reason as both mind and heart — logic, experience, and the deep inner sense of God at work in us and in the world.
These three — Scripture, Tradition, and Reason — form the Anglican “three-legged stool,” each informing and balancing the other as we seek truth, wisdom, and faithful action.
If you would like to learn more about Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, Marriage, or other sacramental milestones, please contact our Vicar.