The Episcopal Church

I hope this brief history of the Episcopal Church sheds light on the nature of my formation as a Christian. I was lucky to grow up with an all loving God. I am a PK (priest’s kid) born into a clergy family in the late 60’s. My formal theological education was through The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, NYC.

The Episcopal Church is INCLUSIVE

“The Episcopal Church Welcomes You” (A brief history)

In 2015, the canons of the church were changed to make the rite of marriage available to all people, regardless of gender.

In 2015 our first African-American Bishop was made Presiding Bishop (Highest office in the Episcopal Church)

In 2012, a provisional rite of blessing for same-gender relationships was authorized, and discrimination against transgender persons in the ordination process was officially prohibited

In 2006, the first woman was made Presiding Bishop (Highest office in the Episcopal Church)

In 2003, the first openly gay partnered bishop was consecrated

In 1988, the first woman (African-American woman) was consecrated a bishop

In 1974, the first women were ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church

Stewardship of the Earth. Care and justice for all creation is a core value of The Episcopal Church. Eco-justice ministries seek to heal, defend, and work toward justice for all God’s creation and to respect the kinship and connection of all that God created through education, advocacy, and action.

We affirm that issues such as birth control are matters of personal informed conscience.

Each year, Episcopal Migration Ministries and its network of local affiliate partners welcome more than 5,000 refugees from more than 30 countries. From the moment they arrive in their new communities, refugee clients receive care, hospitality, and assistance from professional affiliate staff and from the hundreds of generous church volunteers who welcome the stranger through this ministry each year.

The Office of Social Justice and Advocacy Engagement executes creative leadership initiatives to mobilize Episcopalians on issues of social change, and seeks to build and enhance communities committed to transforming unjust structures in societies, and to accompany and enrich the ministry of Episcopalians working to be catalysts for equality, justice, and transformation within their communities.

From the Episcopal Church Website https://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/i-am-episcopalian

As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Episcopal Church has members in the United States and the territory of Puerto Rico; and also in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Venezuela, Curacao, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Haiti, Honduras, Micronesia, Taiwan, and the Virgin Islands.
We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.
The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity.
Our liturgy retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated in many languages.
Both men and women, including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests and bishops.
We believe in amendment of life, the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting.
Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church.
Holy Communion may be received by all baptized Christians, not only members of the Episcopal Church.
We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer.
We affirm that committed relationships are lifelong and monogamous. Episcopalians also recognize that there is grace after divorce and do not deny the sacraments to those who have been divorced.
We affirm that issues such as birth control are matters of personal informed conscience.
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.