Frequently Asked Questions...
What is the Episcopal Church?:
The Episcopal Church of the U.S.A
(ECUSA) now The Episcopal Church (TEC) is the
American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion - a "daughter" of
the Church of England. It is part of the One, Holy, Catholic, and
Apostolic Church.
Click here to visit the Episcopal Church's Visitor's
Center!
How did it get started?:
There have been Anglicans in what was to become the
United States since the establishment of the first English colony at Jamestown
in 1604. Following the American Revolution, some reorganization was necessary for those
Anglicans who chose to remain in the new country, as the Church of England is a
state church which recognizes the monarch as her secular head (obviously, not a
popular idea in post-Revolutionary America!).
Thus the "Protestant"
Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. was born (the word "Protestant," used
primarily to distinguish the Episcopal Church from the Roman Catholic Church, which is
also "Episcopal" in its organization. The term protestant has since been dropped from the
official title). There were some rocky periods, especially in the early days of
the church, when bishops of the established Church of England were reluctant to
consecrate new bishops who would not recognize the reigning monarch as the head
of the church. These problems were overcome, however, and the Episcopal Church
is now fully "in communion" with the Church of England, and with other
Anglican churches throughout the world.
What does "Episcopal" mean?:
"Episcopoi" is the Greek word that means
"overseer" or
"bishop." Thus "Episcopal" means "governed by
bishops." The Episcopal Church maintains the three-fold order of ministry
as handed down by the Apostles - deacons, priests and bishops - in direct
descent, via the laying on of hands, from the original Apostles. We are
Christians.
By the way, "Episcopal" is an adjective: "I am a Christian
and belong to the Episcopal Church." The noun is "Episcopalian": "I am
an Episcopalian." There is no such thing as the "Episcopal Faith" - or
an "Episcopalian Church."
So is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic?:
Yes - Both! Neither. Either.
The Episcopal Church is often referred to as a "bridge tradition." When the
Church of England separated itself from Rome, it did not consider itself to be a
"Protestant" tradition. Rather, it saw itself returning to the
original organization of the church, with local/national congregations organized
under the rule of their own bishops. As the church evolved in England, certain
elements of the Reformation (such as worship in the vernacular, an emphasis on
Scriptural authority, and a broader view of what happens during the consecration
of the Eucharist) became a part of its tradition. In an attempt to reconcile the
views of the Reformers with the tradition of the Catholic Church, the Anglican
tradition became a home for both. Thus you will find very traditional
("high church" or "Anglo-Catholic") parishes and very
reformed ("low church" or Evangelical) parishes throughout the
Anglican Communion. Most parishes probably fall in the middle of the two
extremes (referred to as "broad church" parishes).
So is the Episcopal Church "Conservative" or "Liberal"?:
Again, the only possible
answer "yes" or "both," or perhaps "all."
Within TEC you
will find individuals and churches inhabiting all points of the spectrum,
theologically, liturgically, socially and politically. And, people being
people, it's probably not a good idea to get too hung
up on labels. One person may be very "conservative" theologically and
liturgically, but quite "liberal" socially and politically. The
reverse is also true. You can't really point to one person (or parish or
diocese or province) and say "that's what Episcopalians are like."
While this situation can cause a lot of tension, it can also result in great
richness and diversity.
Wasn't the Church of England founded by
Henry VIII?:
NO!
Most
people start with Henry VIII, but he did not create the Church of England;
it was there for 1400 years before he showed up. Instead, the English Church
gained its independence from Rome under Henry. His motives were human and in
later years extreme, but the results have been glorious.
While Henry VIII's desire for
an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon was, in a manner of
speaking, the straw that broke the camel's back (and, for what it's worth,
Henry's request wasn't out of line with the church laws of his day...but that's
another story), the trend toward separation from Rome had been building for
hundreds of years in England, which never fully embraced the rule of the
papacy.
All
Americans understand a declaration of independence such as the one Henry
made from Rome. The Episcopal Church mirrors American history: its
governance is free and democratic. The people elect their clergy and
lay leaders without any decree from a faraway prelate. Clergy are
accountable; abuse of power is rare.
What is "The Book of Common Prayer"?:
Contrary to what some
denominations may think or believe, The
Book of Common Prayer (aka "Prayer Book") is NOT an "Anglican
Bible." We love it, we use it, and we depend on it, but it is NOT Scripture, and
we do NOT view it or use it as such. The first
Book
of Common Prayer as produced by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in
1549, and revised by Cranmer in 1552 (further revisions occurred in 1559 and
1662; the latter revision is still used as the official Prayer Book of the
Church of England). The book was intended to facilitate worship in English
rather than Latin, and to bring the rites of the church together into one book
for use by both clergy and lay persons. Each national church in the Anglican
Communion has its own adaptation of the Prayer Book. The American version, used
by TEC, was last revised in 1979. In the Prayer Book, you will find the
orders of service for the various rites of the church, the Daily Office, prayers
for use within the context of the liturgy and prayers for use in home devotions,
the Lectionary (i.e., the Scriptural readings to be used in corporate worship,
organized so as to carry the congregation through the entire Bible in a
three-year period), the Psalter (Psalms), the Calendar of the Church Year, The
Outline of the Faith (Catechism) and various historical documents.
How do Episcopalians view scripture?:
The
Bible is the incomparable divine library about God, but it was written by
human beings. Episcopalians revere the Bible, use it as the supreme
authority in essential matters of faith and read it more in public worship
than most churches do; but we also believe in ongoing revelation. (and we
don’t have to rewrite our theology every time a scientist discovers
something new.)
The
Episcopal Church is not literalist in its interpretation of scripture.
Nor are we fundamentalists in that we don't shove religion down anyone's
throat. We worship God, not the Bible; there is a profound difference.
One is fixed, written down, full of glorious teachings but potentially
stagnant if we view it as a finished work; God is alive and continues
to teach us more.
How do Episcopalians worship?:
If you are familiar with Roman Catholic, Lutheran,
Moravian, or Methodist services, you will find Episcopal services remarkably similar.
The central rite
is the Service of Holy Eucharist (aka "Communion," or "The Lord's
Supper"), analogous to the Roman Catholic Mass (and referred to as
"Mass" by some Episcopalians). The first part of the liturgy ("The
Liturgy of the Word" ) consists of prayers, scripture readings and a sermon
or homily. This is followed an Affirmation of Faith (The Nicene
Creed), the Prayers of the People, Confession of Sin, Absolution, and the
Exchange of Peace. The second part of the liturgy ("The Liturgy of the
Table") begins with the offerings of the congregation, then proceeds with
the Eucharistic Prayer, Consecration of the Elements (bread and wine),
Communion, the Post-Communion Prayer, Blessing and Dismissal. Two
Eucharistic Rites are commonly used by the Episcopal Church: The
modern language Rite II is usually used for most of the year, with the older
and traditional Rite I being used less often.
Does the church celebrate other rites?:
Other public services of worship in the church include The Daily
Office (Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evensong or Evening Prayer, and Compline) These services are held at various
times in various churches... see service times on the home
page or contact the priest to find out when
these are held at Christ Church in Cleveland, NC.
The Church's "rites" include: (for any of these
"rites" - please contact a member of the clergy).
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts
us as His children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and
inheritors of the kingdom of God. Baptisms are held 5 times during the
year on appropriate days - In the context of public worship. (The
Baptism of Our Lord, The Great Vigil of Easter, Day of Pentecost, All
Saints' Day, and the bishop's annual visit). In emergency situations,
baptism may be done at any time.
Holy Eucharist (as stated above) is the sacrament
commanded by Christ for continual remembrance of his life, death, and
resurrection, until his coming again. It is the central act of
Christian worship and celebrated each Sunday at Christ Church.
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a
mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit
through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Confirmations
are held at the main Sunday service during the Bishop's annual visitation or
in combined services in the diocese or convocation. Classes are
available each year.
Holy Matrimony is Christian Marriage in which a
woman and man enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and
the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill
their vows.
Holy Unction is the rite of anointing the sick
with oil, or the laying on of hands, by with God's grace is given for the
healing of spirit, mind, and body. This rite my be done in the context
of a worship service or privately by a priest or bishop.
Rite of Reconciliation (Confession) is the rite in
which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence
of a priest, and receive the assurance and grace of absolution. This
is a private rite performed by a priest or a bishop.
Ordination (Holy Orders) is the rite in which God
gives authority and grace of the Holy Spirit to those persons being made
bishops, priests, and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by
bishops. Ordinations are scheduled by the bishop's office, and held at various churches
throughout the diocese.
God does NOT limit God's self to these rites.
There are countless ways that God uses tangible things to reach out to us.
How can I learn more about Episcopal worship practices?:
The best way to learn more
about our worship practices is to look through a copy of
The Book of Common
Prayer 1979. These can typically be found in the pews in every Episcopal
Church, and no one is likely to mind if you drop by to peruse a copy. Copies
can also often be found in libraries and bookstores.
I'm planning on visiting an Episcopal Church. May I
take communion?
ALL baptized Christians, regardless of
denomination, are welcome to take communion in the Episcopal Church. Your own denomination
may have some restrictions on where you may or may not communicate, however, if
you have reservations, it would be wise to check with a clergyperson in your own church first.
What are the sacraments of the Episcopal Church?:
Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation ("confession"), Ordination
and Unction of the Sick. Of these, Baptism and the Eucharist are considered
"necessary" sacraments...the others are "conditional"
sacraments (i.e., they are not required of all persons, but apply in certain
situations). "Sacraments" are defined as "Outward and visible
signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means
by which we receive that grace."
Does the Episcopal Church baptize infants?:
Yes. We believe that the grace conferred
by the Sacrament of Baptism is not and should not be reserved only for
"informed believers." Sometimes, God shows us divine grace
through ways that we as human beings cannot understand or explain. If a child is born into a Christian
household, Holy Baptism is the way the child is fully integrated into, and
participates in the life of the Christian community, the church.
At what age may a child take communion?:
A child may take communion at any
age as soon as the child is baptized. We
do not believe that a certain "understanding" of the proceedings is
necessary for the sacrament of communion to be valid. Again, God shows us divine grace
through mysterious ways. The decision of when to take
communion is left up to the child, his/her parents, and the priest.
Regardless of when they first communicate, a
first Communion Class (which is usually done during the first grade), is
recommended. This helps
provide a "basic" understanding of the rite.
Does the Episcopal Church ordain women to the clergy?:
Yes. The Episcopal Church has
ordained women to all orders of ministry since 1976. We acknowledge that
women offer as many gifts for ordained ministry as men.
![[Confirmation.jpg]](images/Confirmation.jpg)
How do I join the Episcopal Church? Do I need to be
confirmed?:
If you are coming from a church in the Apostolic
Succession or in Communion with the Episcopal Church (Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox), and have already been
confirmed, you would be "received" by the bishop of your diocese, in a
ceremony that normally takes place during the bishop's visit to your church.
If
you are coming from a different tradition, confirmation might be appropriate.
Most churches hold "inquirer's" or "catechism" courses for people interested in
reception or confirmation prior to the bishop's visitation.
You will want to
speak to the rector or vicar of your church if you are interested. Note that
confirmation or reception is NOT necessary before you can take communion, or
participate in the full life of the church.
I have already been baptized in another church. If I
become an Episcopalian, do I need to be "re-baptized?"
NO! "We acknowledge
ONE baptism
for the forgiveness of sins." (Ephesians 4:1-6) Once you have been baptized with water,
in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you have been received by adoption into the family
of Christ (not into a particular denomination) and that need not...in fact, SHOULD NOT...be repeated. This is true even if you were a tiny baby when
you were baptized.
If you wish to make a public, adult, affirmation
of faith, you may choose to be confirmed, if appropriate (see above). You
also always have the option of publicly reaffirming your baptismal vows, even
after confirmation, if you so choose... but this is a highly personal matter, and
not in any way required.
What is the significance of the Episcopal Seal ("The
Shield") and Flag?:
This symbol, which you
will see at virtually every Episcopal Church and website, is the official
"logo" of TEC, and depicts our history. It is red, white and
blue...the colors of both the U.S. and England. The red Cross of St. George on a
white field is symbolic of the Church of England. The blue field in the upper
left corner is the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. It features a Cross of St.
Andrew, in recognition of the fact that the first American bishop was
consecrated in Scotland. This cross is made up of nine crosslets, which
represent the nine dioceses that met in Philadelphia in 1789 to form the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A.
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