The Episcopal Tradition

A Tradition of Common Prayer and Worship

What is an Episcopalian?

The Episcopal Church is sometimes called a “bridge” church, because of our strong affinity with both Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. We are Christians, followers of Jesus, who we believe is the Son of God. We believe he came to show us the way to live in the Kingdom of God. We love to explore the deeper questions of life and faith, and we are deeply respectful of other faiths and committed to interfaith dialogue and witness.

What We Believe

Adapted from “I Am an Episcopalian,” at episcopalchurch.org

As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God.
Our liturgy retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated by over 80 million people in many languages.
There is no moment in time when worship and prayer is not being celebrated and said by Episcopalians/Anglicans.
All people, irrespective of gender identify or sexual orientation (at least in the United States), including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests, and bishops.
We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.
We believe in amendment of life, the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting.
Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church.
Holy Communion may be received by all people, not only members of the Episcopal Church.
We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer.
We perform the sacrament of marriage for consenting adults, irrespective of gender identity.
We affirm that committed relationships are lifelong and monogamous. Episcopalians also recognize that there is grace after divorce and do not deny the sacraments to those who have been divorced.
We affirm that issues such as birth control are matters of personal informed conscience.
We celebrate our unity in Christ while honoring our differences, always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion.
All are welcome to find a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church.