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Episcopal 101: Understanding Our Faith What is the Episcopal Church?

The Episcopal Church, the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is a Christian denomination with a rich history, diverse beliefs, and a welcoming approach to worship and ministry. Here's a quick overview of some common questions about the Episcopal Church:

 

  • History:

    The Episcopal Church traces its roots to the Church of England and the English Reformation of the 16th century. 

     
  • Anglican Communion:

    It's part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a network of churches that share common roots and traditions. 

     
  • Governance:

    The Episcopal Church is governed by bishops, hence the name "Episcopal" (from the Greek word "episcopos" meaning "bishop"). 

     
  • Beliefs:

    Episcopalians believe in the Bible, reason, and tradition as sources of faith, and that Jesus is both God and human, the Messiah. 

     
  • Worship:

    Episcopal services, or "worship" as they are called, follow a liturgical style, with a common order of service that includes prayers, scripture readings, and the celebration of Holy Communion (also known as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist). 

     
  • Ordained Ministry:

    The Episcopal Church has a three-fold order of ministry: deacons, priests, and bishops, and both men and women can be ordained as priests and bishops. 

     
  • Inclusivity:

    The Episcopal Church is known for its inclusivity, welcoming people of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

     

Key Aspects of the Episcopal Church:
 
  • The Book of Common Prayer:

    This is a central resource for worship and prayer, containing prayers, Bible readings, and the order of services. 

     
  • Holy Communion:

    All baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion in Episcopal churches. 

     
  • Dress Code:

    There is no specific dress code for attending worship services, so people are encouraged to wear whatever they feel comfortable in. 

     
  • LGBTQ+ Issues:

    The Episcopal Church does not condemn homosexuality and is open and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. 

     
  • Divorce:

    Unlike the Catholic Church, Episcopal and Anglican churches allow divorce. 

     
  • The Eucharist:

    Episcopalians believe that the Eucharist is a memorial of Christ's sacrifice, but they do not believe that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ. 

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