Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Episcopalian?
A person who belongs to the Episcopal Church is called an Episcopalian. The word Episcopal means a church governed by bishops. We call our local churches parishes, which are governed by an elected vestry of ordinary people who help lead the church and make important day-to-day decisions. The pastor of an Episcopal church is usually called a priest, or rector. In the Episcopal Church, priests are allowed to marry. Women and men, LGBTQ+ and straight, may serve as priests.
Do you have to be an Episcopalian to go to an Episcopal Church?
No. All people are welcome here, regardless of background. Many of our members come to us from other faith traditions and denominations. You’ll find a friendly community of people united by their faith in God and eagerness to serve others.
Will they tell me how to think, how to act, or how to vote?
Absolutely not. In the Episcopal Church, we know that every journey toward God is unique and highly personal. You won’t be forced to think a certain way or “get in line” with everyone else. In fact, you’re welcome to bring your questions, doubts, hopes, and dreams with you. There’s a good reason why the Episcopal tradition is sometimes called “the thinking person’s church.” You’ll be encouraged to think for yourself and seek guidance from God through prayer, worship, meditation, reading, and any other method that works for you. Each one of us is precious to God and we all find God in different ways. And we do not endorse political candidates or parties. You can be yourself here.
Where did the Episcopal Church come from?
The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, derived from the Church of England and sharing with it traditions of faith and order as set forth in its Book of Common Prayer. Before the American Revolution, we were known as the Church of England in America. After the Revolution, we became the Episcopal Church – a self-governing faith community in the Anglican tradition. Today, more than 80 million people around the world are part of the Anglican faith tradition: every continent except Antarctica has Anglican churches. The head of the worldwide Anglican tradition is the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. He or she serves as the spiritual head of the Anglican Church. Unlike the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, the Archbishop serves only as a leader and guide, and does not make rules or laws for the Church to follow.
Is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic?
Yes. Both. Neither. All of the above. In the Episcopal Church (Anglican tradition), we embrace aspects of both the Protestant and Catholic traditions, in terms of worship styles, beliefs and actions. Some people refer to the Anglican tradition as a “bridge” between Protestants and Catholics. We are independent of the Catholic hierarchy and we don’t report to the Pope, or anyone else in Rome. At the same time, we share a liturgical and Apostolic tradition with the Catholic Church. The Episcopal Church’s beliefs are also rooted in many Protestant traditions. This explains why so many people from different faith backgrounds feel comfortable worshipping in the Episcopal Church today.
What’s an Episcopal service like?
The Episcopal Church worships in the “liturgical style,” which means all Episcopal churches follow a relatively common order of service. Being with a community of believers inspires us, nurtures us, encourages us, and comforts us. Our Sunday services throughout the year usually include an opening procession, singing, Bible readings, prayers for ourselves and others, time for meditation, a sermon or pastoral message, and Communion (Holy Eucharist) where we share bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper. All people are welcome to participate, and to share in the bread and wine.
What if I don’t know what to do in the service?
Don’t worry. You won’t be embarrassed or singled out. We provide a service bulletin during each Sunday service. It guides you through the service and provides basic instructions for participation. Once you’ve been to a few services, it will seem like second nature to you. The Book of Common Prayer can also serve as a guide to our Sunday worship service (sometimes called our “liturgy”), as well as a wide range of other services for everything from baptism to funerals. Many people, even those outside the Anglican tradition, consider the Book of Common prayer to be the most beautiful collection of prayers and meditations in the English language. Come and see!