What is an Episcopalian?
An Episcopalian is a person who belongs to the Episcopal Church. (Episcopal means "governed by bishops.")

• a member of the Anglican Communion
• derived from the Church of England and shares with it traditions of faith and order set forth in its Book of COmmon Prayer
• one of those traditions include attitudes that are Protestant and Catholic, ancient and reformed, liberal and conservative.

The Episcopal Church is a Church with a few "musts"
Episcopalians find the fullest expression of Christianity in:

• The Scripture - the Word of God at work among us.
• Creeds - ancient summaries of Christian belief.
• Sacraments - signs of grace, ordained by Christ.
• Ministry - the orders of ordained ministries.

Foundations of Faith
There are 3 basic sources of the Episcopal Church beliefs:
• Holy Scripture (the primary source of doctrine
• reason (gifts of the Holy Spirit)
• Church tradition (wisdom of generations past).

Basic Episcopal Church Beliefs
Interpretations of the faith varies somewhat from parish to parish,
but resides within the framework of the these basic guidelines:

The Holy Trinity
God is 3 persons in one - God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit

Salvation
• the end of our separation from God; the beginning of a new life, lived according to God's will
• gained by us because of Christ's sacrifice.

The Church
- the people of God.  All baptized people are the members
The church is:
• One - one body under one head, Christ
• Holy - the Holy Spirit dwells in it and its members
• Catholic - universal; holding the faith for all time, everywhere, for everybody
• Apostolic - continuing in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship.

Worship
• a joyous response to God's love
• an expression of hope for Salvation
• a chance to praise God and receive strength and forgiveness
• a way to share faith with other believers.

The Sacraments
are living signs of spiritual grace.

The 2 Sacraments of the Gospel
• Baptism - initiation into the family of God
• Holy Eucharist - remembrance of, and praise and thanksgiving for, Christ's death and resurrection.

5 Other Sacraments
• Penance
• Confirmation
• Ordination
• Matrimony
• Ministry of Healing

The Orders of Ordained Ministry
Bishops - an unbroken line of bishops may be traced back to the early Church commissioned by Jesus
Priests - must meet high standards of integrity and judgment (male or female)
Deacons - are and order of special ministry of servant hood.

Learn more about the Episcopal Church