Christian Traditions
What Is the Episcopal Church?
The Episcopal Church is the Anglican Communion’s province in the United States, together with several other countries. Episcopalians are Anglicans: they share the Book of Common Prayer, the historic creeds, the sacraments, and governance by bishops (the word 'episcopal' means 'of bishops'). Rooted in the Church of England and made independent after American independence, the Episcopal Church holds the ancient shape of Christian worship while making room for a wide range of believers under one common prayer.
What they believe and treasure
Episcopalians treasure the same things Anglicans do: worship shaped by the Book of Common Prayer, Scripture read richly aloud, the creeds, and the two great sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, with the Eucharist at the centre of Sunday life. They value beauty, reverence, and thoughtful faith, and they keep bishops in historic succession as a sign of continuity with the wider Church.
Like the Anglican family worldwide, the Episcopal Church is broad. It is often known in American life for an inclusive and questioning spirit, welcoming people to bring their doubts as well as their faith. Within it are parishes of varied emphasis, from more traditional to more progressive, gathered around the same table.
What they share with all Christians
The Episcopal Church confesses the faith of the whole Church. Episcopalians say the Nicene Creed, worship the one God, and hold to Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.
These are the words of the one faith the Nicene Creed puts on the lips of every Christian: one God, one Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. On this the whole family stands together.
What is distinctive
What is distinctive is that this is American Anglicanism with its own history and governance. The Episcopal Church is led not by a single archbishop but by its General Convention and its bishops together. In recent decades it has taken notably inclusive positions on questions of gender and sexuality, which some fellow Anglicans elsewhere have received differently.
It is honest to note that Anglicans worldwide hold different views on these matters, and that some American parishes have formed separate Anglican bodies. These are family disagreements within a shared confession of Christ, and Christians hold their convictions here in good conscience.
What to expect if you visit
An Episcopal service will feel much like an Anglican one: liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer, Scripture readings, a sermon, hymns, and Holy Communion, with the congregation standing, sitting, and kneeling at set moments. Worship can range from formal and traditional to relaxed. Visitors are warmly welcomed, and most Episcopal churches invite any baptised Christian to receive communion. You need no prior knowledge; a service leaflet will guide you.
Find a congregation near you
If the reverent, welcoming worship of the Episcopal Church draws you, a nearby parish is a good place to start. The surest way to understand any tradition is to go and see, to sit with the people, hear the Scriptures read, and meet the Christ they gather around. You are welcome.
Find a church near youCompare the traditionsCome and see
Behind every tradition is the same living Person. Denominations are the many rooms of one house; the door into all of them is Jesus Christ himself, and he still draws near to everyone who comes with an open heart. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.
Read the Gospel of JohnVisit a churchJesus Christ is Lord.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Episcopal Church the same as Anglican?
- Yes, in essence. The Episcopal Church is the Anglican Communion's province in the United States. Episcopalians are American Anglicans, sharing the Book of Common Prayer, the creeds, the sacraments, and bishops.
- Is the Episcopal Church Catholic or Protestant?
- It stands in the Anglican middle way: it keeps much catholic order, bishops, creeds, sacraments, while affirming the Reformation's recovery of Scripture and grace. It is not Roman Catholic and is not in communion with the Pope.
- Can anyone attend an Episcopal service?
- Yes. Visitors of any background are welcome to attend, follow the service leaflet, and take part in the prayers. Most Episcopal churches invite any baptised Christian to receive communion.