The word "Episcopal" refers to

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...a government by bishops (from the Greek “episcopoi” meaning “bishops”). The historic episcopate continues the work of the first apostles in the Church, guarding the faith, unity and discipline of the Church, and ordaining women and men to continue Christ’s ministry.

​Pictured is the Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, previously Bishop of North Carolina, who is the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. He is chief pastor to the Episcopal Church's 2.4 million members in 16 countries and 110 dioceses, ecumenical officer, and primate, joining leaders of the other 38 Anglican Provinces in consultation for global good and reconciliation. Bishop Curry was elected at the 78th General Convention on June 27, 2015, and installed at Washington National Cathedral on November 1, 2015.

What is an Episcopalian?

  • An Episcopalian is a person who belongs to The Episcopal Church, a branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
  • As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.
  • We celebrate our unity in Christ while honoring our differences, always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion.​​
  • All are welcome to find a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church.

What are the beliefs?

​As Episcopalians, we believe:
  • The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the revealed Word of God “containing all things necessary to salvation,” and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith.
  •  The Apostles’ Creed is the Baptismal Symbol; and the Nicene Creed, is the sufficient statement of the Christian faith. These Creeds were adopted by the Church in the fourth century. The Apostles’ being said at Baptisms and at Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. The Nicene Creed is said every Sunday at celebrations of the Holy Eucharist in Episcopal and Anglican churches around the United States and world. (http://www.creeds.net/ancient/nicene.htm).
  • There are two Sacraments ordained by Christ Himself—Baptism and the Supper of the Lord ministered with unfailing use of Christ’s words of Institution, and of the elements ordained by Him. In Baptism (with water in the name of the Holy Trinity), we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and adopt Jesus as our Lord and Savior. In the Holy Eucharist (with Bread and Wine), the center of our worship life, we remember and participate in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ until his coming again.​
  • The basis of ordained ministry is the Historic Episcopate (with bishops, priests and deacons), locally adapted in the methods of its administration to the varying needs of the nations and peoples called of God into the Unity of His Church.

The Book of Common Prayer

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​​For further exploration of the teaching of the Episcopal Church can be found in the Church's Catechism: (http://www.bcponline.org, click on "The Catechism"). Here the teachings and beliefs of the Episcopal Church are articulated in this "Outline of the Faith." It is designed in a question and answer format.

The Episcopal Shield

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The founding fathers of the Episcopal Church were also the founding fathers of our country, and the shield's red, white, and blue colors and layout are similar to that of the American flag.  Red represents the blood Christ shed for us; white symbolizes purity, and blue is the traditional color of the Virgin Mary.  ​