NEW MEMBER GUIDE

The word that describes this branch of Christ’s Church is “Episcopal” which simply means “having bishops.” Bishops are the sign for us of the unbroken line of succession between Christ and the Apostles to the Church of today. The Episcopal Church in the United States is part of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide fellowship of independent churches with a membership of more than 70,000,000. These churches are in communion with one another, all sharing a common origin: the Church of England. While Anglican Churches share a common heritage, their worship is expressed in a variety of languages and customs. All accept the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as “containing all things necessary to salvation,” the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed as sufficient statements of the Christian faith, the two great sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as instituted by Christ, and a ministry comprised of the laity, deacons, priests, and bishops. Anglicans share a heritage that includes both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. Although these three communions remain separated, all are working toward understanding and cooperation. By seeking the middle way (or “via media”), Anglicanism bridges both Protestant and Catholic traditions. The Episcopal Church in the United States became the continuing Anglican Church in America following the American Revolution. Certain changes in church governance had to be made, however, since Americans could no longer pledge allegiance to England and English bishops as had been formerly required. It was no accident that the governance of the Episcopal Church followed that of the United States Government since two-thirds of the signers of the Declaration of Independence as well as George Washington were committed Episcopalians. The first bishop of the Episcopal Church, Samuel Seabury of Connecticut, was consecrated in Scotland by three Scottish Episcopal Bishops who were not subject to the authority of the Church of England. Our next two American bishops, however, were consecrated in England because the laws were changed. This led the way to what was to become the Anglican Communion of Churches throughout the world.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.