Places of faith
St. Francis reaches out
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

SAINTLY- The church's doors have been open in Simi Valley since 1978.

St. Francis of Assisi
Episcopal Church
280 Royal Ave.
Simi Valley
(805) 526-5141
Rev. Steven Dean
Founded: 1978
Size of congregation: 300
Denomination: Episcopalian

Services: Sunday, 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Foundation of beliefs: "We are part of the worldwide Anglican community. We are a liturgical church. We celebrate the Mass. We have differences with the Roman Catholics that make us a Protestant church. We believe in all the basic Christian things like the Trinity. We take communion- the body and blood of Christ- as a spiritual presence," Dean said.

Fun fact: St. Francis was famous for his love of animals. On the Sunday closest to St. Francis Day, which takes place Oct. 4, the church holds a "blessing of the animals," when residents can bring their beloved family pets to be sanctified with holy water.

Questions of faith (answered by Rev. Dean):

What is the purpose of life?

Our purpose is to grow in faith throughout our lives, to practice our faith and spread the good news to everybody.

What must humankind do to get into heaven?

We believe that Jesus is Lord and that's the ticket.

What is your belief in Heaven or Hell?

We believe in Heaven and Hell, and the interpretation is open to the individual.

What is the role of the church in the community?

We reach out with the love of God in us to welcome and nurture all God's children. This church started the Samaritan Center. (The center, on the church property, helps the needy with food, clothing and employment information.) We also have a ministry in Belize helping build churches and houses.

What is the church's view on gay rights and abortion?

We are really at odds about the gay issue within the church. The Anglican Church has a policy that homosexuality is not compatible with scripture. There are some American church members who would argue with that. The church's stand would be anti-abortion. The glory and the downfall of the Anglican Church is people have the freedom to think what they want. Given this freedom, people can also exercise it and disagree.

Women's role in the church?

It is an equal role. The women clergy are called priests. Our Presiding Bishop in the U.S., who is elected, is a woman.