The Episcopal Church, often referred to as the Protestant Episcopal Church or the American Episcopal Church, is a branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion and a prominent Christian denomination in the United States. The definition of the Episcopal Church can be elaborated upon for a comprehensive understanding.
The Episcopal Church traces its roots back to the Church of England, brought to America during British colonization. It is characterized by its episcopal polity, which means that it is led by bishops who govern each diocese and oversee the clergy within their respective jurisdictions. The church maintains a hierarchical structure, with overarching authority residing in the Presiding Bishop, who serves as the chief spiritual leader.
With approximately two million members spread across thousands of congregations, the Episcopal Church follows the principles of Anglicanism, fostering a blend of Protestant and Catholic traditions. It embraces a comprehensive liturgical worship, encompassing sacraments, creeds, and the Book of Common Prayer as essential elements of its worship services.
The Episcopal Church upholds a strong commitment to inclusivity and seeks to create an open, welcoming environment for diverse individuals and communities. It places a significant emphasis on social justice, actively engaging in various humanitarian and charitable endeavors.
The Episcopal Church acknowledges the historic threefold ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons and embraces a sacramental understanding of the Christian faith. It recognizes the importance of scripture, tradition, and reason as authoritative sources for understanding religious principles and engages in theological discourse and dialogue.
The Episcopal Church is distinct from other Christian denominations in its unique combination of Anglican tradition, adherence to a liturgical form of worship, emphasis on inclusivity, and church governance by bishops.
