Where do Episcopalians lie?

Question

I'm an Episcopalian (Anglican) Christian and in my theology class we've been discussing Catholicism and the Reformation that has created Protestant Christianity. My question is where do Episcopalians fit into this spectrum? I know generally it is a sect of Protestant Christianity, however in our Nicene Creed it is said: "...we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church..." Does this mean that Episcopalians are what exactly?

Thanks for any straightforward and helpful comments. They are much appreciated.

Thanks to all that answered... Just want to clarify my view: Yes, I'm a Episcopalian, but I've always had the view of a Protestant, I had just realized in the creed had been that "catholic" aspect and it bothered me a bit... Thank you all for the feedback and may the best woman/man win best answer!

Answer 1

Episcopalians are the American version of the Anglican Church or Church of England. It was establishe by Henry the VIII because he wanted to be able to divorce his wives and the Catholic Church wouldn't allow it.

Other than that and allowing priests to marry, the theology and worship style of Episcopalians is pretty similar to Catholic. They don't follow the pope, and I think they may ordain women and allow gays now, so I guess they are more liberal in other ways, too.

Answer 2

Episcopalians (Church of England) is basically the Catholic Church. It broke away from the vatican when the King of England was denied a divorce by the pope. So he broke from the church and established himself as the head of the English Church without really changing a whole lot. They would be my favorite of the Christian Religions.

Answer 3

Diet Pope.

Episcopalian doctrine is much closer to Catholicism than it is to other protestant denominations. The common explanation for Episcopalianism as compared to Catholicism and protestantism is the via media or "middle way". It is both Catholic and Reformed.

The church is much more anti-papal than it is protestant as far as the chaticism goes.

Answer 4

My friend said there are three kinds of Anglicans: high and hazy, broad and mazy, low and lazy.
The high Anglicans follow the catholic traditions and believe in the apostolic succession. This means that they can trace a succession of bishops right back to the apostles. Catholic means universal and that means they like to draw people into the church.
The broad Anglicans are the liberal christians who would let anyone in with their dogs. OMG like women and gays. The largest Anglican church resides in Nigeria.
The low Anglicans are protestants. It started with the crazy notion that people had the right to read the bible in their own language. They believe in going out to spread the gospel in far away places like Nigeria.
They always threaten to split up but that is where I think they lie.

Hope this is helpful.

Answer 5

Episcopalians are catholics (with a small 'c'). Their religion is very similar to Roman Catholic with a few notable exceptions -- the primacy of the Pope, the role of women and divorce.

Unlike most other Protestant religions, they agree with Roman Catholics about transubstantiation.

Answer 6

Catholic means the RCC
catholic means church universal

When we say the creed, it can read either "one holy catholic" or "one holy Christian". They are interchangable. The creed is not referring to the Roman Catholic Church.

Answer 7

They lie just about every where a Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterians, Mormon, JW and others do..........Sunday is not the Biblical Sabbath. All those who worship on Sunday are accepting the authority of the Pope and not the authority of God in their religion.

http://www.cbcg.org/franklin/romes_challenge.pdf

Answer 8

Episcopals, as I understand it from my Episcopal priest friend, are the American version of the Church of England.

He likes to joke "We're God's frozen people".

Answer 9

It would seem the last few years that they lie wherever and with whoever they want.