What is the Episcopal Church?:
The Episcopal Church is the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion – it is a “daughter” of the Church of England and part of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
Click here to visit the Episcopal Church’s Visitor’s Center!
How did the Episcopal Church get started?:
There have been Anglicans in what was to become the United States since establishing the first English colony at Jamestown in 1604. Following the American Revolution, some reorganization was necessary for those Anglicans who chose to remain in the new country. The Church of England is a “state church” that recognizes the monarch as her secular head. Not a popular idea in post-Revolutionary America.
Thus the “Protestant” Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. was born (the word “Protestant” distinguishes the Episcopal Church from the Roman Catholic Church, which is also “Episcopal” in its organization (which is another topic!). The term protestant is not in the official title. There were some rocky periods, especially in the early days of the church. Bishops of the Church of England were reluctant to consecrate new bishops who would not recognize the reigning monarch as the head of the church. However, the church overcame these problems, and the Episcopal Church is now “in communion with” the Church of England and other Anglican churches throughout the world.
What does “Episcopal” mean?:
“επισκοπικός” (transliterated “episcopos”) is a Greek word that means “overseer” or “bishop.” Thus the term “Episcopal” literally means “governed by bishops.” The Episcopal Church maintains the biblical three-fold order of ministry handed down by the Apostles – deacons, priests (or presbyters), and bishops. We are Christians and followers of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord, and savior. Our bishops are direct descendants via the laying on of hands of the original Apostles (witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection who were sent into the world by Jesus.
The word “Episcopal” is an adjective: “I am a Christian and belong to the Episcopal Church.” The noun is “Episcopalian”: “I am an Episcopalian.” There is no such thing as the “Episcopalian Faith” – or an “Episcopalian Church.”
Is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic?:
Yes – Both! Neither. Either. People often refer to the Episcopal Church as a “bridge tradition.” When the Church of England separated itself from Rome, it did not consider itself a “Protestant” tradition. Instead, it saw itself returning to the original organization of the church, with local/national congregations organized under the rule of their bishops (reformed catholic). The church in England evolved. Some aspects of the Protestant Reformation (such as worship in the vernacular language, emphasis on scriptural authority, and a broader view of what happens during the consecration of the Eucharist became part of the tradition. In an attempt to reconcile the Reformers’ ideas with the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican tradition became a home for both. Thus you will find Episcopal Churches with the centrality of the sacraments that are very traditional (“high church” or “Anglo-Catholic”) parishes and significantly reformed (“low church” or “evangelical”) parishes with the centrality of preaching throughout the Anglican Communion. Most parishes fall in the middle of the two extremes. These are called “broad church” parishes.
Is the Episcopal Church “Conservative” or “Liberal”?:
Again, the only possible answer is “yes” or “both,” or perhaps “all.” Within the Episcopal Church, one can find individuals and churches on all spectrum points: theologically, liturgically, intellectually, socially, and politically. And, people being people, it’s probably not a good idea to get too hung up on labels. One person may be very “conservative” theologically and liturgically but quite “liberal” socially and politically. The reverse is also true. You can’t point to one person (or parish or diocese or even a province) and say, “that’s what Episcopalians are like.” While this situation can cause a lot of tension, it can also result in great richness and diversity.
Did Henry VIII found the Church of England?:
NO! It was NOT! Most people start with Henry VIII, but he did not create the Church of England. The church was there for 1400 years before Henry VIII showed up. Instead, the English Church gained its independence from Rome under Henry. His motives were human and, in later years, extreme, but the results have been glorious.
While Henry VIII’s desire for an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon was, in a manner of speaking, the straw that broke the camel’s back (and, for what it’s worth, Henry’s request wasn’t out of line with the church laws of his day…but that’s another story), the trend toward separation from Rome had been building for hundreds of years in England, which never fully embraced the rule of the papacy as the supreme authority over the Church.
All Americans understand a declaration of independence such as Henry’s from Rome. The Episcopal Church mirrors American history: its governance is free and democratic. The people elect their clergy and lay leaders without a decree from a faraway prelate. Clergy are held accountable, and abuse of power is rare.
What is “The Book of Common Prayer”?:
Contrary to what other denominations think or believe, The Book of Common Prayer (aka “Prayer Book”) is NOT an “Anglican Bible.” We love it, use it, and depend on it, but it is NOT Scripture, and we do NOT view it or use it as such. The first Book of Common Prayer was produced by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1549 and revised by Cranmer in 1552 (further revisions occurred in 1559 and 1662; the later revision (1662) is still used as the official Prayer Book of the Church of England. The book was intended to facilitate worship in English rather than Latin and bring the church’s rites together into one book for use by both clergy and laypersons. Each national church in the Anglican Communion has its adaptation of the Book of Common Prayer. The American version, used by TEC, was last revised in 1979. In the Prayer Book, you will find the orders of service for the various rites of the church, the Daily Office, prayers for use within the context of the liturgy and prayers for use in home devotions, the Lectionary (i.e., the Scriptural readings to be used in corporate worship, organized to carry the congregation through the entire Bible in three years), the Psalter (Psalms), the Calendar of the Church Year, The Outline of the Faith (Catechism) and various historical documents.
How do Episcopalians view scripture?:
The Bible is the incomparable divine library about God, but human beings wrote it. Episcopalians revere the Bible, use it as the supreme authority in essential matters of faith and doctrine and read it more in public worship than most other churches do. But, we also believe in ongoing revelation. (and we don’t have to rewrite our theology every time a scientist discovers something new.)
The Episcopal Church is not literalistic in its interpretation of scripture. Nor are we fundamentalists in our use of scripture. We take it too seriously to take it literally. We worship God, not the Bible! (there is a profound difference). One is fixed, written down, and full of glorious teachings but potentially stagnant if we view it as a finished work; God is alive and continues to teach us more.
How do Episcopalians worship?:
If you are familiar with Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Moravian, or Methodist services, you will find Episcopal services remarkably similar. The central rite is the Worship Service is the Holy Eucharist (aka Communion, The Lord’s Supper, The Divine Liturgy, The Mass, The Sacrifice, etc…), analogous to the Roman Catholic Mass (and even referred to as “Mass” by some Episcopalians). The first part of the liturgy (“The Liturgy of the Word”) consists of prayers, scripture readings, and a sermon or homily. This is followed by an Affirmation of Faith (The Nicene Creed), the Prayers of the People, Confession of Sin (corporate), Absolution, and the Exchange of Peace. The second part of the liturgy (“The Liturgy of the Table”) begins with the offerings of the congregation, then proceeds with the Eucharistic Prayers, Consecration of the Elements (bread and wine), Communion (receiving the bread and wine), the Post-Communion Prayer, Blessing, and Dismissal. Two Eucharistic Rites are commonly used by the Episcopal Church: The modern language Rite II is usually used for most of the year, with the older language and traditional Rite I being used less often.
Does the Episcopal Church celebrate other rites?:
Other public services of worship in the church include The Daily Office (Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evensong or Evening Prayer, and Compline). The church holds these services at various times throughout the day/year… see service times on the home page or contact the priest to find out when these are held at St. James.
The Church’s “rites” include: (for any of these “rites” – please contact a member of the clergy).
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us as His children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. Baptisms are typically held 5 times during the year, in as far as possible, on appropriate days – In the context of public worship. (BCP 312) (The Baptism of Our Lord, The Great Vigil of Easter, Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and the bishop’s annual visit). In pastoral & emergency situations, baptism may be done at any time.
Holy Eucharist (as stated above) is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection until his coming again. It is the central act of Christian worship and is celebrated each Sunday (aka “the Lord’s Day” or “the Day of Resurrection”).
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Confirmations are held at the main Sunday service during the Bishop’s annual visitation or in combined services in the diocese or convocation. Classes are available each year.
Holy Matrimony is Christian Marriage in which two individuals enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
Holy Unction is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by with God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body. This rite may be done in the context of a worship service or privately by a priest or bishop.
Rite of Reconciliation (Confession) is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance and grace of absolution. This is a private rite performed by a priest or a bishop.
Ordination (Holy Orders) is the rite in which God gives authority and grace of the Holy Spirit to those persons being made bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops. Ordinations for those who have been through the processes of discernment and training are scheduled by the bishop’s office and held at various churches throughout the diocese.
God does NOT limit Godself to these rites. There are countless ways that God uses tangible things to reach out and connect to us.
How can I learn more about Episcopal worship practices?:
The best way to learn more about our worship practices is to come and participate with us in worship. Please feel free to look through a copy of The Book of Common Prayer 1979. These can typically be found in the pews in every Episcopal Church, and no one is likely to mind if you drop by to peruse a copy. Copies can also often be found in libraries and bookstores. and ON-LINE!
I’m planning on visiting an Episcopal Church. May I receive communion?
ALL baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are welcome to receive communion in the Episcopal Church. Your own denomination may have some restrictions on where you may or may not communicate. If you have reservations, it would be wise to check with a clergyperson in your own church first.
What are the sacraments of the Episcopal Church?:
Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist (Lord’s supper, communion, divine liturgy, mass), Confirmation, Holy Matrimony (marriage), Reconciliation (confession), Holy Orders (ordination), and Holy Unction (anointing of the sick). Of these, Baptism and the Eucharist are considered the “necessary” sacraments… the others are “conditional” sacraments also called “sacramental rites.” (i.e., they are not required of all persons, but apply in certain situations). “Sacraments” are defined as “Outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.”
Does the Episcopal Church baptize infants?:
Yes. We believe that the grace conferred by God in the Sacrament of Baptism is not and should not be reserved only for “informed believers.” Sometimes, God shows us divine grace through ways that we as human beings cannot understand or explain. If a child is born into a Christian household, Holy Baptism is the way the child is fully integrated into and participates in the life of the Christian community, the church.
At what age may a child receive communion?:
A child may receive communion at any age as soon as the child is baptized. We do not believe that a certain “understanding” of the proceedings is necessary for the sacrament of communion to be valid (if we did, none of us would receive it). Again, God shows us divine grace in mysterious ways. The decision of when to take communion is left up to the child, his/her parents, in consultation with the priest. Regardless of when they first communicate, a First Communion Class (which is done in some churches during the first grade), is recommended. This helps provide a “basic” understanding of the rite and the proper reverent responses.
Does the Episcopal Church ordain women to the clergy?:
Yes. The Episcopal Church has ordained women to all orders of ministry since 1976. We acknowledge that women offer as many gifts for ordained ministry as men.
How do I join the Episcopal Church? Do I need to be confirmed?:
If you are coming from a church in the Apostolic Succession or in Communion with the Episcopal Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Roman Catholic, or Eastern Orthodox), and have already been confirmed, you would be “received” by the bishop of your diocese, in a ceremony that normally takes place during the bishop’s visit to your church.
If you are coming from a different tradition, confirmation would be appropriate. Most churches hold “inquirer’s” or “catechism” courses for people interested in reception or confirmation prior to the bishop’s visitation.
You will want to speak to the rector or vicar of your church if you are interested. Note that confirmation or reception is NOT necessary before you can receive communion, or participate in the life of the church. Confirmation is required to hold office on the Vestry (church board).
I have already been baptized in another Christian church. If I become an Episcopalian, do I need to be “re-baptized?”
NO! “We acknowledge ONE baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” (Ephesians 4:1-6) Once you have been baptized with water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you have been received by adoption into the family of Christ (not into a particular denomination) and that need not, in fact, SHOULD NOT be repeated. This is true even if you were an infant when you were baptized.
If you wish to make a public, adult, affirmation of faith, you may choose to be confirmed, if appropriate (see above). You also always have the option of publicly reaffirming your baptismal vows, even after confirmation, if you so choose… but this is a highly personal matter, and not in any way required. For information on how you might go about this, please see a member of the clergy.
What is the significance of the Episcopal Seal (“The Shield”) and Flag?:
This symbol, which you will see at virtually every Episcopal Church and website, is the official “logo” of TEC and depicts our history. It is red, white, and blue, the colors of both the United States and England. The red Cross of St. George on a white field is symbolic of our roots in the Church of England. The blue field in the upper left corner is the Episcopal Church. It features a Cross of St. Andrew, in recognition of the fact that the first American bishop was consecrated in Scotland. This cross is made up of nine crosslets, which represent the original nine dioceses that met in Philadelphia in 1789 to form the Episcopal Church in the United States of America.
