Who We Are
Photo: David Rider
We are a thoughtful church, rooted in the truth of Scripture, tradition, and reason. We are an inclusive church, welcoming all who seek to know and walk in the way of Jesus Christ. We are a hopeful church, always looking for signs of God’s redeeming love at work so that we might participate in it.
The Episcopal Church is a multinational denomination, with about 1.5 million members in more than 20 countries and territories. We are united in worship through the liturgies and prayers of the Book of Common Prayer and a three-year cycle of Scripture readings.
The Episcopal Church is the only U.S.-based member of the global Anglican Communion, which is the world’s third-largest group of Christians. We are descended from the Church of England and seek to bring the rich traditions of Anglican theology and practice into conversation with new knowledge, which we understand to be a blessing from the Holy Spirit.
What we believe
As disciples of the risen Christ, we believe that nothing, not even death, separates us from God’s love. In response, we strive to love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind—and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
What kind of Christians are we?
The Episcopal Church, while sharing common beliefs with other Christian traditions, is distinctive in its structure, governance, and mission—particularly in how we elect our leaders and in our inclusive positions on gender and sexuality.
How we worship
Our worship follows the rhythms and seasons of the ancient church calendar. While worship styles can vary greatly from church to church, Episcopal services all share the same elements, including Scripture, prayers, and celebration of Holy Eucharist.
Leadership and governance
The Episcopal Church is governed by a General Convention, which is a bicameral legislative system composed of a House of Bishops and a House of Deputies, chaired by the presiding bishop and president of the House of Deputies, respectively. Both houses must vote to pass a resolution for it to be adopted. Between meetings of the General Convention, an Executive Council functions as the governing board and provides oversight to the work of the church.
Our ministries
Our many ministries reflect our deep belief in God’s desire for all to flourish and our calling to join God in that work.
Our institutional connections
Our formal and informal relationships–within the Anglican Communion and with other churches and organizations–strengthen our capacity to participate in God’s work in the world.
Our history
Descended from the Church of England, The Episcopal Church was formally established in the recently independent United States of America in 1785.
