The Episcopal Church

About The Episcopal Church

Overview

The Episcopal Church traces its history back through the American Revolution to the Church of England, back through the establishment of the Church of England to the beginning of the church in the islands of Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England. Consequently, we are a mixture of our rich and varied heritage. Prevalent in our basic approach is the use of scripture and tradition along with reason in shaping our understanding of worship and theology.

We are a sacramental church with bishops, Priest, and Deacons whose ordinations include a laying on of hands in an unbroken succession back to the period of the Early Church. Our principle form of worship on Sunday mornings is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist during which all baptized persons are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Our Book of Common Prayer and other supplementary books offer a variety of additional services and structures for worship including Daily Offices such as Morning and Evening Prayer as well as liturgies to celebrate special events like the Adoption of a Child.

Structure

Our church is structured into Dioceses which sometimes follow the geographic boundaries of individual state, for example, there is a Diocese of Rhode Island. At times, however, population size makes it necessary to create more than one diocese within a state, for example, the state of Georgia is divided into the two dioceses of Atlanta and Georgia. Each diocese contains local churches. Those who are able to support themselves financially, and engage in the work and ministry of the church including the maintaining of a priest in their midst are called Parishes. Those which receive some sort of assistance from the diocese or are in the process of building up their congregations are referred to as Mission Churches.

Each church elects representatives to a Diocesan Convention which, in turn elects delegates to our National Convention. The National Convention is made up of two houses, the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies. together, these councils establish the structure and functioning of the various aspects of church life.

Although we have Canon Law which governs the church and Rubrics which regulate our worship, we also rely on individual free will and responsibility to shape the spiritual journey of each person.

Interior View of St. Martin In the Fields Episcopal Church in Lumberton, New Jersey.

For Further Information Concerning the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion:

Diocese of New Jersey: http://newjersey.anglican.org

Anglican Communion: http://www.ecusa.anglican.org