Episcopal Life

Beliefs

As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation to the world. We believe in the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—three persons in one God, who guide and sustain our faith.

At the heart of our faith is the belief that God’s love extends to everyone—without exception.

The Episcopal Church carries a proud tradition of inclusivity, welcoming all people regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of diverse backgrounds serve as bishops, priests, and deacons. Our church values the partnership between lay members and clergy, working together in leadership and governance to live out God’s call.

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Episcopalians value thoughtful dialogue and diverse perspectives, holding fast to core Christian beliefs while embracing respectful differences within the community.

Our faith is rooted in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, which we regard as the revealed Word of God and the ultimate guide for salvation.

The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed stand as foundational statements of our Christian faith, recited in worship and embodying the core truths we hold.

Two sacraments—Baptism and the Holy Eucharist—are central to our worship, instituted by Christ Himself. Through Baptism, performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we renounce evil and affirm our faith; in the Eucharist, we remember and participate in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

The Book of Common Prayer is a treasured collection of prayers, liturgies, and spiritual guidance that shapes Episcopal worship and daily life. It provides a shared structure for our services and reflects the unity of our diverse community in Christ.

Our ordained ministry is grounded in the historic episcopate, with bishops, priests, and deacons serving the Church’s mission in ways adapted to the needs of diverse communities.

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A set of colorful stained glass windows depicting Jesus Christ with his hands outstretched in front of a table with communion elements.
A painting of Henry VIII

History

The word “Episcopal†comes from the Greek word “episkopoi,†meaning “bishops,†referring to our church’s governance by bishops who carry on the apostolic ministry of teaching, pastoral care, and spiritual oversight.

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a global fellowship of churches with roots in the Church of England. The Anglican tradition began in the 16th century during the English Reformation, when King Henry VIII broke from the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England. While initially driven by political and personal reasons, this moment sparked theological reflection and liturgical reform, eventually shaping a distinct identity that honors both Catholic and Protestant traditions.

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Following the American Revolution, Anglicans in the newly independent United States reorganized and, in 1789, formally established the Episcopal Church. It retained the liturgical richness and sacramental life of the Church of England while adopting democratic structures suited to the new republic.

Our church’s leadership is shared between clergy and laypeople, affirming our belief in the priesthood of all believers. Each diocese holds an annual convention, and representatives—both lay and ordained—are elected to attend the triennial General Convention, where major decisions affecting the wider church are made.

The Episcopal Church’s shield, with its red cross, white field, and blue canton bearing white crosses, mirrors the American flag and reflects a faith tradition deeply woven into the fabric of our national history.

Today, the Episcopal Church remains grounded in scripture, tradition, and reason. We welcome diverse perspectives, affirm the dignity of every human being, and continue to engage in meaningful dialogue about faith and life. 

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Liturgy & Music

Episcopal worship is known for its beauty, reverence, and deep sense of mystery. Our liturgy—drawn from the Book of Common Prayer—structures our worship and shapes our spiritual life.

Services range from traditional, using ancient rites and chants, to contemporary styles incorporating modern music and language, but all maintain a sense of sacredness.

Music plays a vital role, from classic hymns to uplifting anthems, often led by choirs, organs, and various instruments. Congregational singing is an important way the community joins in worship.

Our liturgy honors the rhythms of the Christian calendar, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and saints’ days, helping us mark the seasons of faith and life.

Holy Communion (Eucharist) is celebrated regularly as the central act of worship, a time for spiritual nourishment and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.

Choir
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Social Justice

The Episcopal Church actively lives out Jesus’ call to love our neighbors by engaging in social justice work.

We are committed to advocating for racial justice, economic equality, environmental stewardship, immigration rights, and the dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Grounded in the belief that all people are created in God’s image, our church works to dismantle systems of oppression and build communities rooted in compassion and equity.

We honor the voices and leadership of marginalized groups, striving to be a church that welcomes everyone with open arms.

Our social justice ministry is not separate from worship but an expression of faith in action, living out the gospel through service, advocacy, and love.