Glossary

B

Baptism: Derived from a Greek root: " baptizo, " which means " to immerse," "to dip under, " or " to wash. " Within Christianity, it is usually performed by a member of the clergy in a church setting, thus welcoming an individual into the church. 

Bible: The holy text used by Christians. It is includes Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament), Christian Scripture (New Testament). Some faith groups also include a group of writings called the Apocrypha. The word originated in the Greek word " biblos ," which means " book ."

Bishop: (From the Greek word episkopos: supervisor). In the early church, he was a chief priest at a church. Later, the role became that of a priest with administrative duties over a group of churches within a geographical area called a diocese.

Blasphemy: Swearing in the name of God, denying the existence of God, saying evil things about God etc.

Book of Common Prayer: The worship book of the Anglican Church since its inception in 1549. Commonly called the "prayer book," commonly abbreviated as the BCP, the Book of Common Prayer is a collection of classic and contemporary prayers, devotions, services and psalms designed to allow the entire Church to worship in common union.

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