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Group guide

Assyrian Church of the East

Also known as: Church of the East

An ancient East Syriac Christian church historically associated with the Church of the East, with roots east of the Roman Empire and a major missionary history across Asia.

Historic communionInside historic Nicene ChristianityShared Nicene beliefs, with major differences

60-second overview

An ancient East Syriac Christian church historically associated with the Church of the East, with roots east of the Roman Empire and a major missionary history across Asia.

History and identity

The church confesses the Trinity, Christ’s divinity and humanity, Scripture, sacraments, bishops, and the resurrection. It did not receive the Council of Ephesus in the same way as imperial churches and historically used Christological language associated with the Antiochene tradition. Modern agreements have clarified substantial common faith with other ancient churches.

Core teachings and practices

  • East Syriac liturgy.
  • Ancient episcopal and sacramental tradition.
  • Historically extensive missions to Persia, India, Central Asia, and China.
  • Small modern global communion.

Variation across churches

Low variation within the group

What it shares with the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity, with broad agreement on the Triune God and Jesus Christ’s full deity and humanity. Other important differences may still remain.

Important differences from the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs

The guide’s base beliefs share the Nicene core but differ on sacramental authority, episcopal succession, and many ecclesial practices. This body should not be reduced to the polemical word “Nestorian.”

How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity

Inside historic Nicene Christianity

This group is within historic Nicene Christianity.

Boundary guide
Important distinctions

Related groups with separate profiles

Related groups
Eastern Orthodox ChurchOriental Orthodox Churches

Sources

The group’s own sources come first, followed by outside context and the guide’s comparison.

  1. Assyrian Church of the East — The Faith of the Assyrian Church of the East
    VerifiedOfficial doctrine
  2. Assyrian Church of the East — History of the Assyrian Church of the East
    VerifiedOfficial history
  3. Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East — The Faith and Doctrine of the Assyrian Church of the East
    VerifiedOfficial doctrine
  4. Assyrian Church of the East / official theological institutions — Sacramental Theology Resources
    VerifiedAcademic