- Anglican/Episcopal - Anglicans believe Jesus was conceived and born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary was a virgin both when she conceived Jesus and when she gave birth. "They ... have difficulties with Catholic belief in her immaculate conception - the idea ... that Mary was free from the stain of original sin from the moment of her own conception ..." (Guardian Unlimited)
- Assembly of God - Mary was a virgin both when she conceived Jesus and when she gave birth. (Luke 1:34-38). Though "highly favored" by God (Luke 1:28), Mary was human and conceived in sin.
- Baptist - Mary was a virgin both when she conceived Jesus and when she gave birth. (Luke 1:34-38). Though "highly favored" by God (Luke 1:28), Mary was human and conceived in sin.
- Lutheran - Jesus was conceived and born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary was a virgin both when she conceived Jesus and when she gave birth. (Based on the Lutheran confession of The Apostles' Creed.)
- Methodist - Mary was a virgin both when she conceived Jesus and when she gave birth. The United Methodist Church does not subscribe to the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception - that Mary herself was conceived without original sin. (UMC)
- Presbyterian - Jesus was conceived and born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary is honored as "God-bearer" and a model for Christians. (PCUSA)
- Roman Catholic - From conception, Mary was without original sin (Immaculate Conception). Mary is the "Mother of God." Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus, when she gave birth, and remained a virgin throughout her life. Catechism - 2nd Edition
Comparing Christian Denominations - Beliefs (Part 1)
By Mary Fairchild, About.com
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