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. We are a branch of the one holy, catholic, and apostolic church.
Anglican Communion:
It's part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a network of churches that share common roots and traditions.
Governance:
Bishops govern The Episcopal Church, hence the name "Episcopal" (from the Greek word "episcopos" meaning "bishop").
Beliefs:
Episcopalians believe in the Bible as scripture, 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. The common order of service includes prayers, scripture readings, and the celebration of Holy Communion (also known as the Lord's Supper or the Holy Eucharist).
Ordained Ministry:
The Episcopal Church has a three-fold order of ministry: deacons, priests, and bishops. 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 with.
LGBTQ+ Issues:
The Episcopal Church does not condemn homosexuality and is open and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
Divorce:
Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, Episcopal and Anglican churches allow divorce.
The Holy 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.