The Episcopal Church is a Protestant Christian denomination. It is part of the Anglican Communion, which originated from the Church of England during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.

The Episcopal Church shares theological roots with other Protestant denominations, including a belief in justification by faith, the priesthood of all believers, and the authority of Scripture. While maintaining strong similarities to the Roman Catholic Church — such as the use of liturgy and sacraments — the Episcopal Church identifies as Protestant because of its historical connection to the Reformation and its distinct theological traditions.

What do we have in common with the Roman Catholic Church?

Despite theological differences, the Episcopal Church shares several creeds and traditions with the Roman Catholic Church:

• Liturgical Worship: Both place a strong emphasis on liturgy, following a structured order of prayers, hymns, and rituals. The celebration of the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) is central to both traditions.
• Sacraments: Both recognize sacraments as outward signs of inward grace instituted by Christ, particularly Baptism and the Eucharist.
• Apostolic Succession: Both maintain a belief in apostolic succession, affirming that the Church’s authority can be traced back to the apostles through the ordination of bishops.
• Creeds and Doctrines: Both affirm the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed as foundational statements of faith, sharing the doctrine of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ.
• Liturgical Calendar: Both follow the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.

What are the main differences?

• Papal Authority: The Roman Catholic Church recognizes the Pope as the supreme authority; the Episcopal Church has a decentralized structure where bishops exercise authority within their own dioceses.
• The Eucharist: While Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiation, Episcopalians often hold a more sacramental or symbolic view, emphasizing the real but spiritual presence of Christ.
• Clerical Celibacy: In the Episcopal Church, clergy (priests and bishops) are permitted to marry.
• Marian Dogmas: The dogmas of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Mary are not part of official Episcopal doctrine. 

The History of the Anglican Church

While the English Reformation is often associated with King Henry VIII, the desire for reform in England actually started over a century before Martin Luther posted his famous theses in 1517.

The “Morning Star” (1380s)

Long before the official break with Rome, an English scholar named John Wycliffe began questioning the absolute power of the Papacy and the luxury of the medieval church. He believed that every person should have access to the Bible in their own language, a radical idea at the time. His followers, the Lollards, kept these seeds of reform alive in England for generations.

The Political Spark (1534)

The official “break” with the Roman Catholic Church was famously triggered by King Henry VIII. In 1534, the Act of Supremacy established the monarch as the “Supreme Head” of the Church of England. While this began as a political move regarding his marriage and national sovereignty, it opened the door for deep theological change.

The “Middle Way” (The Via Media)

During the reigns of Henry’s children, Edward VI and Elizabeth I, the Church of England truly defined its identity. They sought a Via Media (Middle Way) as a church that remained Catholic in its liturgical structure and ancient creeds, but Protestant in its reformed theology and use of the English language.

Fast Facts: England vs. The Continent

• Germany: The Reformation was led by a monk (Luther) and was driven by theology (religious belief).
• England: The Reformation was led by a King (Henry VIII) and was driven by sovereignty (who runs the church).
• Result: This unique history is why the Episcopal Church today feels “catholic” in worship but “protestant” in its thinking and leadership.

The Birth of the American Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church as we know it today was born out of a unique crisis of identity following the American Revolution. Before the war, our congregations were part of the Church of England; however, once the United States gained independence, American clergy could no longer legally swear an oath of loyalty to the British King. This forced a “rebirth” of the church on American soil.

In 1789, leaders gathered in Philadelphia, the same city where the U.S. Constitution was written, to formally establish the Episcopal Church as an independent body. They created a democratic structure that mirrored the new American government, giving laypeople a voice in leadership alongside the clergy. We secured our apostoli” roots when Samuel Seabury became our first bishop, having been consecrated in Scotland to maintain the ancient line of succession. This history left us with a distinct legacy: a church proudly democratic in its governance, yet deeply connected to the ancient traditions of the global Christian faith.

Leadership in the Episcopal Church

Our leadership today is a balance between clergy and laity:

1. Episcopal Polity: Bishops lead the dioceses but are democratically elected.
2. Shared Governance: Decisions are made collaboratively through conventions composed of both clergy and lay delegates.
3. Ordained Ministry: Includes Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.
4. Lay Leadership: Laypeople serve on parish boards (Vestries) and have a significant voice in the mission and administration of the church.

Full Communion

We are in “Full Communion” (mutual recognition of sacraments and ministry) with:

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
• The Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht
• The Moravian Church in America
• Various provinces of the Anglican Communion (Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Wales).

Can I become an Episcopalian?

Absolutely. We welcome everyone, regardless of their spiritual background. If you have already been baptized or confirmed in another Christian tradition (such as Roman Catholic or Orthodox), you can be “received” into our church in a simple ceremony. If you have not been baptized, we would be delighted to accompany you on the journey toward Baptism.