FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name "Episcopal Church" mean?
What are the basic beliefs of the Episcopal Church?
How do Episcopalians worship?
What are the Sacraments of the Episcopal Church?
Does the Episcopal Church offer any other Sacraments?
What is the mission of an Episcopalian?
What does the name "Episcopal Church" mean?
"The Episcopal Church" is one branch of the world-wide Anglican Communion numbering 60 million members in over 100 countries. It is often described as the "bridge church" because it includes both Catholic and Protestant traditions. It preserves the ancient Catholic faith and sacraments and the historic ministry with Bishops as its chief pastors. ("Episcopal" comes from the Greek word for "bishop.") It is at the same time Protestant, focusing on the basic authority of Holy Scripture and the proclamation of the Word of God.
What are the basic beliefs of the Episcopal Church?
Episcopalians promise to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Episcopalians believe in
One God, the Father who creates us and all things,
the Son who redeems us from sin and death,
the Holy Spirit who renews us as the Children of God.
Episcopalians believe the Holy Scriptures to be the Word of God and to contain all things necessary for salvation. We believe God inspired human authors and continues to speak to us through the Bible.
Episcopalians affirm that salvation is the end of our separation from God and the beginning of a new relationship with God and with one another. The Apostles' and Nicene Creeds are basic statements of our beliefs in God.
In worship, we unite ourselves with others to acknowledge the holiness of God, to hear God's Word, to offer prayer and praise, and to celebrate the sacraments. The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the central act of worship in accordance with Jesus' command to His disciples. Three books are used at every service: the Holy Bible; the service follows the Book of Common Prayer, which is composed of both ancient and modern liturgies and prayers; and the Hymnal which includes both traditional and contemporary Church music. Episcopal services preserve the rich worship and tradition of the historic Church. All present participate actively in this joyous response to God's love.
What are the Sacraments of the Episcopal Church?
Sacraments are the "outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace." Grace is God's love freely given to us for forgiveness and spiritual renewal.
The two sacraments of the Gospel, instituted and ordained by Christ Himself as essential for every Christian's salvation are:
- Holy Baptism - administered once as a pledge of repentance and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is the means by which God adopts us as His Children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church.
- Holy Eucharist - In it we share bread and wine for the continual remembrance of Christ's life, death, and resurrection until His coming again. Through it we receive the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another.
Does the Episcopal Church offer any other Sacraments?
Yes! There are five other sacramental rites:
- Confirmation - the rite if which we express mature commitment to Christ and receive straight from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.
- Holy Matrimony - the sacrament of marriage, in which man and woman commit their lives to one another and receive God's blessing.
- Reconciliation of a Penitent - the confession of one's sins to God in the presence of a priest and the receiving of the assurance of God's forgiveness and the grace of absolution.
- Ministration to the Sick - the anointing of the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God's grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body.
- Ordination - the sacrament consecrating Christians in service to God as bishops, priests, and deacons.
What is the mission of an Episcopalian?
The mission of an Episcopalian is not simply a matter of "saving souls." Neither is it simply a matter "feeding the hungry." Christian mission is seen as involving both the spiritual and they physical welfare of mankind, for Christ's love must extend to all of life. The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
