The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church is a Protestant denomination within the Anglican Communion, serving as the primary representative of Anglicanism in the United States. With a history rooted in the Church of England, it blends traditional liturgical worship with a diverse range of theological perspectives, from Evangelical to Anglo-Catholic. Known for its inclusive slogan, "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You," the denomination operates across the USA and maintains a presence in Taiwan, Cuba, Honduras, Ecuador, Venezuela, and parts of Europe.

Key Facts

Origin: Established in 1785, branching from the Church of England.
Membership: 1,547,779 active baptized members as of 2023.
Governance: Unitary episcopal polity led by a Presiding Bishop.
Liturgy: Guided by the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.
Structure: Comprised of 9 provinces, 106 dioceses, and 6,707 parishes (2024).
Ecumenical Status: Maintains full communion with various bodies, including the ELCA and the Union of Utrecht.

Historical Evolution

Colonial and Revolutionary Eras

The roots of the church trace back to the colonial era, where Anglicanism was established in the American colonies. Early structures like St. Luke's Church in Virginia stand as testaments to this period, being the oldest Anglican church-building to survive largely intact in North America.

St. Luke's Church, built during the 17th century near Smithfield, Virginia – the oldest Anglican church-building to have survived largely intact in North America

During the Revolutionary era and the early Republic, the church transitioned from its ties to the English crown to become an independent body, formally organizing in 1785. This period saw the establishment of landmark parishes such as Bruton Parish Church and the Old North Church in Boston.

Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg, established in 1674. The current building was completed in 1715.

Old North Church in Boston. Inspired by the work of Christopher Wren, it was completed in 1723.

19th Century and Expansion

The 1800s were marked by growth and internal tension. The church expanded its reach across the growing United States, establishing influential congregations like St. John's in Washington, D.C., often called the "Church of the Presidents." However, the era also saw separations, such as the formation of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Confederate States of America (PECSA) in 1861, though PECSA was later absorbed back into the main body in 1865.

Trinity Church in Swedesboro, New Jersey. Originally serving a Church of Sweden congregation, it became an Episcopal church in 1786, when this building was completed.

St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1816 in Washington, D.C., is known as the "Church of the Presidents" for the many presidents who have worshiped there.

Christ Episcopal Church, Macon, Georgia, c. 1877

St. John's Episcopal Church in Montgomery, Alabama, established in 1834. The church building was completed in 1855. The Secession Convention of Southern Churches was held here in 1861.

Modern Era and Social Change

From the late 1950s through the 1970s, the church entered an era of significant change. This included the adoption of a revised prayer book and the landmark decision to ordain women. In more recent decades, the church has navigated complex issues regarding LGBT rights, including the ordination of gay bishops and the blessing of same-sex marriages.

Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, interior, 1872

These shifts led to several separations and property disputes, with some members and parishes—such as those from the Diocese of South Carolina in 2012—leaving to join the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).

Many members and parishes of the historic Diocese of South Carolina left the Episcopal Church in 2012, eventually becoming a diocese of the Anglican Church in North America.

Structure and Governance

Polity and Leadership

The church utilizes an episcopal polity, meaning it is governed by bishops. The current Presiding Bishop is Sean W. Rowe, supported by the President of the House of Deputies, Julia Ayala Harris. The governance is unitary, coordinating the activities of its numerous dioceses and parishes.

St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Shreveport, Louisiana

Worship and Liturgy

Worship is centered on the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Congregations often identify as either High Church (emphasizing ritual, tradition, and Anglo-Catholic elements) or Low Church (emphasizing simplicity and Evangelical leanings).

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, located in Washington, D.C., is operated under the more familiar name of Washington National Cathedral.

A procession in St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Memphis, Tennessee, in 2002

Rood screen and chancel ceiling at the Anglo-Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in Rosemont, Pennsylvania

High altar of an Anglo-Catholic church ad orientem style

The process of episcopal consecration—the appointment of a bishop—is marked by the traditional laying on of hands.

Episcopal consecration of the 8th bishop of Northern Indiana in 2016 by the laying on of hands

Beliefs and Social Advocacy

The Episcopal Church is known for its active engagement in social and political issues. The church has passed resolutions and advocated for policies regarding:

Human Rights: Racial equality, marriage equality, and the removal of racism from national life.
Social Welfare: Affordable housing, a living wage, and healthcare access.
Ethics: Positions on abortion, capital punishment, and euthanasia.
Science: Acceptance of evolution and advocacy for vaccination mandates.
Environment: Addressing climate change.

Ecumenical Relations

The church maintains full communion (the mutual recognition of sacraments and ministry) with several other Christian bodies. This includes the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Moravian Church, and the Philippine Independent Church, among others.

Summary of The Episcopal Church Profile
Category	Details
Classification	Protestant / Anglican
Active Members (2023)	1,547,779
Primary Region	United States
Governance	Unitary Episcopal
Key Liturgical Text	1979 Book of Common Prayer
Aid Organization	Episcopal Relief and Development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between High Church and Low Church?

High Church refers to a style of worship that emphasizes formal ritual, liturgy, and often Anglo-Catholic traditions. Low Church emphasizes a simpler, more Evangelical approach to worship and theology.

How is the Episcopal Church related to the Church of England?

The Episcopal Church branched from the Church of England following the American Revolution, eventually becoming an independent province within the global Anglican Communion.

What does "full communion" mean in this context?

Full communion is a formal agreement between two different Christian denominations to recognize each other's baptisms, ministries, and sacraments, allowing for closer cooperation and shared membership.

Who leads the Episcopal Church?

The church is led by the Presiding Bishop, who serves as the chief pastor and primate of the denomination.

How does the church define its membership?

Since 1986, the church has used a revised definition of membership that counts only active baptized members, rather than all baptized individuals.