What is an Episcopalian?

An Episcopalian is a member of the Episcopal Church, which in turn is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Early English settlers to North America brought their church affiliation with them, and at the time of the American Revolution when political ties with England were severed, the Episcopal Church was formed to differentiate itself from the English Church. Many early American Patriots who helped form our government were originally Anglican and became the early Episcopalians. 

Today, the Episcopal Church, a denomination of approximately two and one half million members, takes its place in the 77-million member worldwide Anglican Communion. This Anglican Communion traces its history back to second century Roman missionaries who brought the Christian faith to Great Britain. The Reformation in the 1500's formally separated the Church in England from the authority of the Pope and put a renewed emphasis on Holy Scripture and services in the language of the people; however, the Church’s basic teaching and structure remained intact. The faith taught by the Episcopal Church is none other than the Christian faith. Nothing taught by it is peculiar to Anglicanism. All major teachings are those of the ancient and undivided church. 

Episcopal belief and practice rest on the Holy Scriptures, as interpreted by Tradition and Reason. Just as a three-legged stool cannot stand when deprived of any one of its legs, Episcopalians when working through the application of their faith to any life situation use all three of these criteria to reach crucial decisions. Episcopalians use three books in worship and in private devotion and study. The Holy Bible constitutes the basis of Christian faith and is proclaimed in its entirety in weekly worship services following a three year cycle known as the lectionary. The Book of Common Prayer, is the “users manual” that contains orders of service, many readings from the Bible, and prayers for use on specific occasions. The 1982 Hymnal contains hymns and service music that range from Latin Plain Chant (some of the earliest music of the Christian Church) to standard hymns, African American spirituals, and recently composed music. 

So, “What’s the big deal,” you may ask? The big deal is that Episcopalians use the Holy Scriptures, as interpreted by Tradition and Reason to guide them, and in doing so often reach differing conclusions about political, social, gender, and a myriad of other matters. That is OK. Respect for individual conscience is paramount placed in the context of the ancient precepts of the Christian faith.