A commitment to give one's time, talents, and money as an expression of faith and a personal response to God's generosity.

The form of government for an organized church. The Episcopal Church has a unitary form of government in which all temporal authority is vested in the General Convention. Authority is distributed among bishops, clergy, and laity.

A disciple of the Apostle John, who named him bishop of Smyrna. Polycarp was burned at the stake for refusing to burn incense to the Roman emperor. Feast day: Feb. 23.

Seek to avoid references to “the poor” or “poor people.” Use “low income,” “people living at the poverty level,” “people living in poverty,” “people experiencing poverty.” The poverty level in the U.S. is the income level deemed insufficient for a family or individual to have essential items for living. The U.S. poverty level is adjusted...

A person recognized by the bishop as beginning the canonical process leading to ordination as a deacon or priest. Postulancy is followed by candidacy. See Candidate.

See Book of Common Prayer

Communal intercessory prayers offered during the Eucharist and other services. Preferably led by a deacon who is charged with bringing the needs, hopes, and concerns of the world to the church; also led by laypeople.

A piece of music played immediately before a worship service.

In The Episcopal Church, presbyter is a seldom used synonym for a priest.

The chief pastor and chief executive officer of The Episcopal Church, providing leadership, vision, and mission strategy. Elected by the House of Bishops and confirmed by the House of Deputies for a nine-year term.