What do Episcopalians believe?

Historical Foundations and Identity

Episcopalians trace their origin to the Church of England, which separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the reign of King Henry VIII (early 16th century). Over time, the Anglican tradition spread across the globe, and in the United States it became known as the Episcopal Church. The term “Episcopal” comes from the Greek word episkopos—often translated as “overseer” or “bishop” in Scripture (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:2)—which highlights the bishop-led structure of church governance.

When the American colonies declared independence, many Anglicans in the new nation reorganized into the Episcopal Church. This church maintained historical ties to the Church of England while adapting some practices to an American context. Over the centuries, Episcopalians have emphasized a balance between Scripture, tradition, and reason, which came to be known in Anglican circles as the “three-legged stool” of authority.

Scripture and Tradition

Episcopalians traditionally have regarded the Bible as foundational and authoritative. In practice, the Episcopal Church often interprets Scripture through the lens of tradition and reason, showing flexibility on various doctrinal issues. However, the core liturgical resource, the Book of Common Prayer, includes numerous scriptural quotations and allusions, shaping daily worship and spiritual life around biblical concepts. Many Episcopalians affirm the biblical text such as Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” while emphasizing additional theological resources handed down through church history—chiefly the documents of the early Church and the Anglican heritage.

Historically, the Episcopal tradition draws from the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (formulated in the 16th century) as a guiding confession. While still printed in some editions of the Book of Common Prayer, not all Episcopalians hold to the Thirty-Nine Articles in a binding, confessional manner. Instead, many consider them an important historical reference that reflects timeless truths for the Church catholic.

The Book of Common Prayer

Central to Episcopal worship and identity is the Book of Common Prayer, first introduced in its English form under the leadership of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. This liturgical book includes prayers, rites for Holy Communion, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and daily devotions. It provides a structure for worship and daily prayer known as the Daily Offices (Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer). Since its first publication in 1549, the Book of Common Prayer has undergone numerous revisions. In the United States, the 1979 edition is currently the most widely used. This book unites Episcopalians through shared prayers and a common worship experience, often cited as an embodiment of unity amid diverse theological perspectives.

Apostolic Succession and Church Governance

Episcopal polity is built on the belief that bishops are successors to the apostles—a concept historically called apostolic succession. This succession is seen in the unbroken line of ordinations going back to the earliest days of the Christian Church. Alongside bishops, priests and deacons also serve in leadership. Bishops typically oversee a diocese (a regional jurisdiction), and congregations in that diocese are led by priests (rectors) or other licensed ministers.

In support of episcopal governance, Episcopalians note passages such as Titus 1:5, where Paul appoints elders (in Greek, presbyteroi) in multiple cities under apostolic guidelines. This sense of continuity with the early Church is a distinctive aspect of Anglican identity, highlighting a connection to ancient Christian traditions alongside a reverence for the Bible.

Core Doctrines and Creeds

Most Episcopalians affirm the historic Christian creeds:

• The Apostles’ Creed, used especially in baptisms and daily worship.

• The Nicene Creed, recited weekly in Eucharistic liturgies.

Both creeds reflect belief in one eternal God, the Triune nature of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and the saving work of Jesus Christ as evidenced by His birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. In line with classical Christian teaching, Episcopalians who hold the Nicene Creed as essential would affirm that Christ is both fully God and fully man.

This core theological framework is designed to maintain unity on foundational doctrines while allowing some diversity of thought on secondary matters. Many Episcopalians reference Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved,” upholding that the core confession of faith centers on the lordship of Christ and His resurrection.

Sacraments and Worship

Episcopalians generally recognize two primary sacraments instituted by Christ—Baptism and the Eucharist (often referred to as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper). They also acknowledge other rites—sometimes called “sacramental rites”—including Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Ordination, Anointing of the Sick (Unction), and Reconciliation (Confession).

1. Baptism: Viewed as the rite of full initiation into the Church. Typically administered by pouring or immersion in water, following the Trinitarian formula (Matthew 28:19).

2. Eucharist: Central to weekly worship and considered a commemoration of Christ’s sacrifice and a participation in His grace (1 Corinthians 11:23–26). Episcopalians differ in how they articulate the Presence of Christ in the bread and wine, yet the Eucharist remains a unifying practice.

Worship services often include liturgical elements such as processions, the reading of lessons from the Old and New Testaments, the recitation of psalms, a sermon, congregational prayers, and the Eucharist. The liturgical and sacramental elements underscore the Episcopal emphasis on both Scripture and tradition.

Reason and Diversity of Thought

Episcopalians historically have upheld the principle of via media—or “the middle way”—positioning Anglicanism between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. As part of this approach, they engage with theology, philosophy, and various academic disciplines, believing these can aid in interpreting Scripture responsibly.

This openness can result in a broad spectrum of theological views within Episcopal congregations. A wide array of stances exist on matters like church leadership roles for women, moral issues, and other modern cultural questions. Where some congregations and dioceses adopt a conservative reading of Scripture, others lean toward more progressive stances, illustrating the diversity in the Episcopal Church at large.

Emphasis on Corporate Worship, Music, and Liturgy

Music, choir traditions, and choral anthems often occupy a cherished place in Episcopal worship. The use of hymns and traditional liturgies aims to create a reverent environment that lifts the hearts of congregants toward God. Passages like Psalm 100:2, “Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs,” support the musical dimension of Episcopal services.

Liturgy is carefully structured, with scripted prayers and responses. This shared participation across generations is designed to remind worshipers of the global body of Christ and the unity of believers throughout history.

Relations with Other Denominations

Like other Anglican bodies worldwide, the Episcopal Church works with the broader Christian community through ecumenical councils and dialogues. Historically, the 1888 Lambeth Quadrilateral outlined four principles for Christian unity: the Holy Scriptures, the creeds, the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and an episcopal form of governance. These points serve to guide how Episcopalians seek collaboration and shared witness with other Christian groups.

Modern Developments and Points of Discussion

Over time, the Episcopal Church has often aligned with a range of social justice initiatives. This engagement can be traced to passages like James 2:17: “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” Such commitment to community issues, charity work, and activism is common within many Episcopal parishes. However, not all members agree on how social and political matters should be addressed in the life of the Church. Differences in interpretation and application of biblical teachings sometimes lead to internal debates.

Potential Structural Changes and Global Anglicanism

In the last several decades, theological disagreements have led some dioceses and congregations to separate from the Episcopal Church, aligning with other Anglican affiliations. These reorganizations underscore the tensions between more traditional and more progressive approaches to doctrine and moral teachings within the broader Anglican Communion. Yet, Episcopalians continue to share the central heritage of the Book of Common Prayer, the tradition of apostolic succession, and communion with global Anglican churches.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Episcopalian belief and practice revolve around worship guided by the Book of Common Prayer, sacramental life, episcopal governance, and a balance of Scripture, tradition, and reason. Grounded in the historic creeds, Episcopalians affirm foundational Christian truths, including the Triune nature of God and the resurrection of Christ. Through liturgical worship, apostolic succession, and breadth of theological expression, they maintain continuity with ancient Christian tradition while allowing diverse views on secondary matters.

At its core, Episcopal identity is shaped by the desire to worship God in unity and holiness, as reflected in Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Episcopalians hold to a living faith that blends heritage, community, sacrament, and service, seeking to follow the biblical command to love God and neighbor.