Question 148: What are the other rites sometimes called sacraments?

Answer:

In addition to Baptism and the Eucharist, the Church recognizes five other rites sometimes called sacraments: Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation (Confession), and Anointing of the Sick. These do not have the same institution by Christ or necessary character as the Gospel sacraments, but they are godly means of grace, rightly used in faith. They strengthen believers and bless the life of the Church. (James 5:14–16, John 20:22–23, Acts 8:14–17, Matthew 19:4–6, 1 Timothy 4:14)

Full Scripture References

“Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick… Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” — James 5:14–16 (BSB)

“And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.’” — John 20:22–23 (BSB)

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them… Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” — Acts 8:14–17 (BSB)

“‘Have you not read,’ He replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” — Matthew 19:4–6 (BSB)

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you.” — 1 Timothy 4:14 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

While Anglicans affirm only Baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments instituted by Christ as “generally necessary to salvation,” the Church has historically recognized five additional rites—sometimes called “sacramental”—because they convey grace and were practiced by the apostles. These are Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation (Confession), and Anointing of the Sick.

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer, in its Catechism, refers to these as “commonly called Sacraments,” yet distinguishes them from Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, “not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel.” Article XXV echoes this: “Those five commonly called Sacraments… are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel… for that they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God.”

Still, these rites are deeply scriptural and deeply pastoral. Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali (former Bishop of Rochester) wrote, “While not sacraments in the same sense, these holy actions bless the people of God, confer grace appropriate to the occasion, and build up the body of Christ in love.”

Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) notes, “The ‘other rites’ are not less spiritual—only less universal. Not everyone is ordained or married, but when approached in faith, these rites are channels of grace and order in the Church.”

Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) writes, “We must not reduce the sacramental to the symbolic. Each of these rites is a divine appointment for spiritual formation, healing, vocation, and mission.”

Older Anglican voices recognized their value as well. J.C. Ryle cautioned against superstition but defended their reverent use: “They are not sacraments of the same rank, but neither are they to be cast aside. Ordination, marriage, absolution—all are scriptural, useful, and solemn.” (Knots Untied, 1874)

Thus, Anglicans administer these rites with seriousness, always pointing to Christ. Though not necessary for all believers, they are blessings given by God for the strengthening of His people in varied seasons of life and service.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “They who are ordained by the laying on of hands receive not only authority, but grace to perform their office in Christ.” — Epistle 74

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Matrimony is a sacrament of the Church, not only a bond of nature, but a holy mystery of the union between Christ and the Church.” — On the Good of Marriage, 24

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “Let us not neglect the healing grace of confession, nor the oil of mercy for the sick. These are gifts from the Lord, entrusted to His Church.” — Homily on the Gospel of John, 85

St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 339–397 AD): “The Spirit is given through the laying on of hands, as the apostles did. Let none think lightly of Confirmation—it seals what Baptism has begun.” — On the Holy Spirit, II.5