About Episcopalians and the Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church, whose name comes from the Latin word episcopus, meaning bishop, is the American branch of the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Communion is a worldwide assembly of Christian churches which share a heritage with the Church of England.

Our faith is based on the combined foundations of scripture, tradition and reason. Episcopalians are deeply committed to the unity of God's Church, staying united in our diversity through our shared belief in the reconciling Gospel of Jesus Christ and in the use of the worship services defined by the Book of Common Prayer.

Because we have traditionally placed more emphasis on the comprehensiveness of God's saving grace than on doctrinal conformity, we both recognize and accept a broad diversity of worship expressions and lifestyles as well as a variety of approaches to faith and commitment. As such, we are considered a bridge church, "the via media", and are actively involved in ecumenical ventures.

Episcopalians also believe that in baptism God gives each individual a unique and equally valid ministry to serve as a living example of God's love for all of creation. We believe that our shared life and worship empowers each of us to explore and follow that call to manifest God's love in the world. As a result, the Episcopal Church has a deep commitment to social service.

Beginning and Belonging... A Lifelong Adventure in Christ

CHRISTIAN INITIATION is both entrance into the Church and a lifelong process of education and experience within the Body of Christ.

The rites of Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation are sacraments: outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857)The sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist are called the Great Sacraments of the Church, because they were ordained by Jesus Christ. The sacrament of Confirmation, while not specifically ordained by Christ, is another traditionally important rite.

Through the sacrament of Holy Baptism, we are adopted by God as sons and daughters, and thus as members of his community, the Church. The primary outward sign of Baptism is water, symbolizing spiritual washing and renewal. Inward grace includes union with Christ by birth into his family, the Church, forgiveness of sins, and new life in the Holy Spirit. Frequently, oil of Chrism is used to symbolize being sealed in the Holy Spirit. At Baptism we promise to turn away from evil and sin, renounce Satan, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Holy Eucharist is the sacrament in which Christ makes Himself and the benefits of his sacrifice present to us and by which we continually remember his life, death, and resurrection until his coming again. During this principal act of Christian worship, baptized people come together to receive bread and wine that has been blessed and consecrated by a priest or bishop. Through the outward signs of bread and wine, we receive inward grace, the Body and Blood of Christ, forgiveness of sins, strength in our union with Christ and each other, and a forecast of eternal life.

Confirmation is a mature and public expression of our commitment to Christ. Through this sacrament, we renew the promises and vows made at Baptism. Confirmation is administered only by a bishop and includes the laying on of hands, and the prayer that the individual be strengthened and empowered for service by the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is the opportunity to say that we understand and believe the vows spoken on our behalf in Baptism. It is also the opportunity to acknowledge that we wish to make our commitment to Christ as communicants of the Episcopal Church.