What is the Episcopal Church?

We are Global!

We Episcopalians are members of the worldwide Anglican Communion, descended from the Church of England. It is the third largest Christian communion in the world. Churches of the Anglican Communion can be found on almost every continent of the globe. Anglicans in the United States are called “Episcopalians” after the Greek word “epískopos” meaning Bishop. Our individual churches are grouped into a larger Diocese, or district, under the pastoral care of a bishop. The official name of our church is The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, but a simpler name we have been called in the past is “Reformed Catholics”, as we have a sacramental worship, combined with a reformed theology.

We are Liturgical!

This means that our worship has a liturgy or patterned ritual that helps to guide our prayers and praises. Many of these prayers are from the earliest days of the Christian church, and connect us with Christians throughout the world and out of time that have said the same praises to God as we do now. Our worship focuses on the Sacraments, the main ordinances being the Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Mass, and Baptism. We believe these are outward and visible signs, of an inward and spiritual grace given by God.

We are Diverse!

The Episcopal Church has a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. Woman and men both serve as Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in our church. Both lay people and clergy cooperate at every level of church leadership. We believe that who you are is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity, orientation, or if you’re single, divorced, married, or remarried.

Learn More!

The Episcopal Church’s national website: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/

Website of the wider Anglican Communion: https://www.anglicancommunion.org/