Who are Episcopalians and what do they believe?

What is the Episcopal Church?
The Episcopal Church in United States is one branch of the world-wide Anglican Communion, which now numbers more than 80 million Christians.  Established just after the American Revolution, the Episcopal Church was the first of many branches to emerge over the years from our mother Church, the Church of England. Many of the founders of our nation were members of the new Episcopal Church, which incorporated the traditions of Christians over the centuries into a truly democratic structure. 

What does “Episcopal” mean?
“Episcopal” comes from the Greek word for bishop.  This church preserves the ancient Catholic faith and sacraments, and the historic ministry of bishops as its chief pastors; and it is at the same time Protestant, focusing on the basic authority of Holy Scripture and the priesthood of all believers. The Episcopal Church in America is often described as a bridge church because it includes both Catholic and Protestant traditions.  We are strongly committed to the faith and mission of the whole Christian Church of all languages and denominations, and we work and pray for its unity.

What is the structure and ministry of the church?
The Episcopal Church is a democratic church with a government much like the government of United States.  In each congregation, ministry is shared by lay people and ordained clergy.  In each diocese (regional divisions of the national church), bishops give pastoral care and oversight, and both clergy and lay people are elected to represent their congregations in the life of the diocese.  In the national church, the Presiding Bishop, other bishops, clergy and lay leaders work together in legislative bodies and administrative committees to oversee the life and mission of the wider church. 

How do Episcopalians worship?
Anglicans around the world, including Episcopalians in the United States, worship using a version of the Book of Common Prayer, which was first published in English in 1549. Our Sunday worship is through the Eucharist (also called the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Communion, and the Mass).  “Eucharist” comes from the Greek for “thanksgiving.”  During the first half of the Eucharist, we listen to the Word of God through Bible readings and a sermon, and then we respond to what we have heard with our prayers and affirmation of faith.  During the second half of the Eucharist, we give thanks for our redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ, as we celebrate Holy Communion together.  In the Episcopal Church, everyone who seeks God and who is drawn to Christ is welcome to receive Holy Communion.  Episcopal Churches usually offer two services of the Eucharist each Sunday morning: an early, quiet service and a later service with music.  

What are the basic beliefs of the Episcopal Church?
The beliefs of Episcopalians can be found in the Book of Common Prayer. The Prayer Book also includes the Catechism, which provides a helpful outline of Episcopal beliefs.

What we believe about God:  Episcopalians believe in one God:

What we believe about Jesus Christ:  Episcopalians promise to follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We believe that trusting in Christ ends our tragic separation from God, and begins a new relationship with God and with one another. 

What we believe about the Bible:  Episcopalians believe the Holy Scriptures to be the Word of God and to contain all things necessary for salvation.  We believe God inspired the Bible’s human authors in their own day, and that God continues to speak to us through the Bible today.

What we affirm as the traditional Christian faith:  Episcopalians affirm their faith through the historic Creeds (the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed), and through the words and prayers of the Book of Common Prayer. 

What is the mission of an Episcopalian?
All Episcopalians promise to follow Jesus Christ Savior and Lord, by putting their whole trust in Christ’s grace and love.  Episcopalians also promise, in the Baptismal Covenant, to

(written by the Rev. Donna Ross)