Site Glossary

From the Greek word meaning selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love. Used by Christians to connote love that seeks the good for others reflecting God’s love, grace, and mercy.

A general term which covers not only servers, torchbearers, and lighters of candles but also crucifers, thurifers, and banner-bearers.

A brush, branch, metal rod, or other instrument used to sprinkle holy water at the asperges.

The occasion on which the risen Christ is taken into heaven after appearing to his followers for 40 days.

A clergyperson with defined administrative authority delegated by the diocesan bishop.

Fifteen books that are sometimes published between the Old and New Testaments, considered by Episcopalians to be spiritually useful, but not necessarily a source for doctrine.

An 11th-century archbishop of Canterbury and theologian, sometimes called the father of scholasticism and the second Augustine. Feast day: Apr. 21.

A movement within Anglicanism emphasizing its Roman Catholic roots with a focus on Eucharistic liturgy, sacraments, and devotional practices.

A Christian tradition shaped by the Church of England that is relational, missionary, and contextual, holding together unity and diversity through shared worship, faith, and participation in God’s mission rather than through centralized authority.

A global fellowship of autonomous yet interrelated regional and national churches rooted in historic ties to the Church of England, and marked by being in communion with the archbishop of Canterbury.

One of the twelve Apostles, brother of Simon Peter, and patron saint of Scotland. Feast day: Nov. 30.

Term derived from the Greek word for suspended; refers to the official separation from the church of members guilty of persistent heresy or grave moral offenses.