What does an episcopalian believe in?

Question

So far of what people have told me I am getting to like the religion of the episcopalians. I only have two questions, I know where they came from and how they came to be; but what does an episcopalian believe in? How are they different from the other religions?

Answer 1

Jane,
I think that most people will agree with me that experience in a denomination, and especially in specific congregations will tell you more about where you"fit in".

There are lots of books, dvd's, and websites, done by specific Episcopalians, that will tell you what THEY believe in.

There is some variety in Episcopal congregations. In some, they speak in tongues, others have monks and nuns, My congregation is in between.

I think that one part of the Episcopal Church, the Episcopal way of life, is that we do not write down and vote on a set of beliefs. (There is something called the 39 Articles in England, but they were a Government compromise, and deal with issues that none of us care about anymore)

And yes, there is a lot of disagreement in the Episcopal Church these days. Especially about same-sex marriages, and homosexuals who are not celibate becoming bishops.

A few things most Episcopal congregations have in common which is perhaps different from other denominations:

Beauty of language, music, architecture is part of all of our worship of God. Most Episcopal priests don't make up prayers for use in worship, because we feel that the eloquent prayers in our Book of Common Prayer do the job, and we feel we are as sincere in praying them as the prayers we would make up. But in home and hospitals visits, counseling sessions, we do make up prayers on the spot.

We have few rules but lots of suggestions:how to pray, how to give time and money, how to practice self-denial for God, ways to serve God by serving other people, how to become more spiritual.

We all think that divorce is always a bad thing, but sometimes the second worst solution.

We all think that abortion is always a bad thing, but some (like me) think it is always the worst solution.

Most think that the Bread and wine of the Eucharist is objectively the Body and Blood of Christ, but it is up to each person to decide what that means

Most think that women can be called by God to be priests and bishops but some disagree

Sermons try to enlighten and sensitize rather than telling you what to do. Sometimes that gets wishy-washy.

WE are the American branch of the Anglican Communion which is the 38 national churches coming from the Church of England and including the Church of England (Canada, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, Hong KOng, etc.)

Our Bishops are in the Apostolic Succession of Bishops coming down from the Apostles.

Most of us take the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds literally, believing that One "Person" of the One God was born as Jesus, died and rose from the Dead and founded the Church which later wrote the New Testament.

Most of us think that Jesus Christ is alive, and active in the world, and heeds our prayers in His own way , in His own time.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have other questions.

Answer 2

There are many different beliefs within the Episcopalian denomination, therefore one cannot say what the definitely believe in, therefore one cannot really say what an Episcopalian exactly is.

Father Peter is correct about the vast differences of opinion which exist. This is a cause for constant division. Some groups eventually split off when they disagree, causing more disunity.

The Anglican church was founded when the King of England (Henry VIII, 15th century) could not get the divorce he wanted so he could marry his French mistress, Anne.

He set himself up as head of the "Church of England" as he named it, so that he could have the authority to give himself the divorce. Parliament was then forced to take an oath of supremacy supporting their king over the true Church (Catholic).

Because it split off from Catholicism, the Episcopalian/Anglican church bears a great resemblance to Catholicism in its prayers, liturgy and sacraments.

However, it is clear from history that Episcopalian origins are greatly tainted, being born in the bedchambers of a lustful and violent king (he later beheaded his "beloved" Anne) and also illegitimate (their priesthood is not valid being cut off from Catholic apostolic succession).

Also, without a visible authority on Earth and no statement of creed, the Episcopalian churches are destined to continue their pattern of the last 500 years - constant bickering and division and disunity.

Answer 3

Episcopalians are Anglicans. They feel in God. Jesus is the son of God and he died for our sins. They feel that homosexuality is incorrect (even though there are a few Episcopalian church buildings that take delivery of homosexuality). As a long way as race.... they feel within the ENGLISH church. they're kinda like catholics... however no longer catholics.

Answer 4

These days, it's hard to say what Episcopalians don't believe in. Pretty much anything under the sun seems to be okay with them.

Answer 5

Drinking!

I do love Episcopalians... shame there aren't as many here as there are in Britain.