What is an Episcopalian?

The Episcopal Church is part of God's one, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The name of our church comes from the Greek word Episcopos, which means "bishop" or "overseer".  We who worship in the Episcopal church are called Episcopalians.

What is the Church?

The church is not a building where people go to worship God. The church is all of God's people. We believe that God is a supreme being that created us and loves us, and guides us to love and help others, and to lead a good life. God's people work in the world to help other people know about God's love for all people, and all of God's people do God's work. Some people are chosen to be leaders in the church; these people receive special training and education. They are "ordained", which means that they have been chosen by God and by the church to lead. They are called deacons, priests, and bishops.

We believe in the priesthood of all believers.  All of our laity are called to be ministers of the church, and to carry on God's work of reconciliation in the world, and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the church.

What do we believe?

Three important things show us the way to understand our God and our world:

The Bible - We believe that God and God's people can speak to us through the Bible. All the things we need for a good life are in there.

Our Tradition - We are a church that honors the beautiful traditions of our two thousand year old faith.  The way we worship demonstrates our ability to connect the ancient past with the needs of the modern world.  Many aspects of our worship such as Holy Communion, the Nicene Creed, and our Confession are over 1500 years old, and yet they feed our souls just as much today as yesterday. 

Reason/Thinking - God has blessed humanity with intelligence and reason.  Our faith is a thinking faith. We believe that in our life with God we should use our minds as well as our hearts when discerning God's will in our lives.

How do I become a member of the Episcopal Church?

Membership in the Episcopal Church rests on a public affirmation of faith by you, or, in the case of small children, by Godparents, and incorporation into the church through the sacrament of Baptism.  Please contact any of our priests if you are interested in being a member of our church.

What is the Book of Common Prayer?

The Book of Common Prayer is just that, it is a book of worship services and prayers that are the common bond between Episcopalians everywhere.  Known for its beautiful collects (a collection of prayers), contemplative services and timeless Eucharist services, the Book of Common Prayer is most important in the worship of our church. 

Adapted from "Episcopalians", a flyer published in 1994 by Forward Movement Publication, Cincinnati, Ohio.