This FAQ was originally written for the homepage of ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DURHAM, NC, and is reprinted here by permission.

What is the Episcopal Church?:The Episcopal Church of the U.S.A (ECUSA) is the American branch of the Worldwide Anglican Communion -- a "daughter" of the Church of England.

How did it get started?:There have been Anglicans in what was to become the United States since the establishment of the first English colony at Jamestown. Following the American Revolution, some reorganization was necessary for those Anglicans who chose to remain in the new country, as the Church of England is a state church which recognizes the monarch as her secular head (obviously, not a popular idea in post-Revolutionary America!). Thus the Protestant" Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. (PECUSA) was born (the word "Protestant," used to distinguish the Episcopal Church from the Roman Catholic Church, which is also "episcopal" in its organization, has since been dropped from regular use). There were some rocky periods, especially in the early days of the church, when bishops of the established Church of England were reluctant to consecrate new bishops who would not recognize the reigning monarch as the head of the church. These problems were overcome, however (the first American bishops were consecrated in Scotland), and the Episcopal Church is now fully "in communion" with the Church of England, and with other Anglican churches throughout the world.

What does "Episcopal" mean?:"Episkopos" is the Greek word for "bishop." Thus "Episcopal" means "governed by bishops." The Episcopal Church maintains the three-fold order of ministry as handed down by the Apostles -- deacons, priests and bishops -- in direct descent, via the laying on of hands, from the original Apostles (i.e., in "apostolic succession"). Other churches have bishops, of course, and some even use the word "Episcopal" in their titles, but generally when one says "The Episcopal Church," he/she means The Episcopal Church of the USA (ECUSA). By the way, "Episcopal" is an adjective: "I belong to the Episcopal Church." The noun is "Episcopalian": "I am an Episcopalian."

So is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic?: Both. Neither. Either. Anglicanism is often referred to as a "bridge tradition." When the Church of England separated itself from Rome, it did not consider itself to be a "Protestant" tradition. Rather, it saw itself returning to the original organization of the church, with local/national congregations organized under the rule of their own bishops. As the church evolved in England, certain elements of the Reformation (such as worship in the vernacular, an emphasis on Scriptural authority, and a broader view of what happens during the consecration of the Eucharist) became a part of its tradition. In an attempt to reconcile the views of the Reformers with 
the tradition of the Catholic Church, the Anglican tradition became a home for both. Thus you will find very traditional ("high church" or "Anglo-Catholic") parishes and very reformed ("low church" or Evangelical) parishes throughout the Anglican Communion. Most parishes probably fall in the middle of the two extremes (referred to as "broad church" parishes).

So is the Episcopal Church "Conservative" or "Liberal"?: Again, the only possible answer is "both," or perhaps "all." Within ECUSA you will find very individuals and churches inhabiting all points of the spectrum, theologically, liturgically, socially and politically. And, people being people, it's probably not a good idea to get too hung up on labels. One person may be very "conservative" theologically and liturgically, but quite "liberal" socially and politically. The reverse is also true. You can't really point to one person (or parish or diocese or province) and say "that's what Episcopalians are like." While this situation can cause a lot of tension, it can also result in great richness and diversity.

Isn't it true that the Church of England was founded by Henry VIII?: Not entirely. While Henry VIII's desire for an annullment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon was, in a manner of speaking, the straw that broke the camel's back (and, for what it's worth, Henry's request wasn't out of line with church laws of his day...but that's another story), 
the trend toward separation from Rome had been building for quite some time in England, which had never fully embraced the rule of the papacy.

What is "The Book of Common Prayer"?: Contrary to what some believe, The Book of Common Prayer (the "Prayer Book") is not an "Anglican Bible." We love it, use it and depend on it, but it is not Scripture, and we do not view it or use it as such. The first Book of Common Prayer was produced by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1549, and revised by Cranmer in 1552 (further revisions occured in 1559 and 1662; the latter revision is still used as the official Prayer Book of the Church of England). The book was intended to facilitate worship in English rather than Latin, and to bring the rites of the church together into one book for use by both clergy and layfolk. Each national church in the Anglican Communion has its own adaptation of the Prayer Book. The American version, used by ECUSA, was last 
revised in 1979. In the Prayer Book, you will find the orders of service for the various rites of the church, the Daily Office, prayers for use within the context of the liturgy and prayers for use in home devotions, the Lectionary (i.e., the Scriptural readings to be used in corporate worship, organized so as to carry the congregation through the entire Bible in a three-year period), the Psalter (Psalms), the Calendar of the Church Year, The Outline of the Faith or The Catechism) and various historical documents. 

How do Episcopalians worship?: If you are familiar with Roman Catholic or Lutheran services, you will find Episcopal services remarkably similar. The central rite is the Service of Holy Eucharist (aka "Communion," or "The Lord's Supper"), analogous to the Roman Catholic Mass (and referred to as "Mass by some Episcopalians). The first part of 
the liturgy ("The Liturgy of the Word" ) consists of prayers, scripture readings and a sermon or homily. This is followed an Affirmation of Faith (The Nicene Creed), the Prayers of the People, Confession of Sin, Absolution, and the Exchange of Peace. The second part of the liturgy ("The Liturgy of the Eucharist") begins with the offerings of the congregation, then proceeds with the Eucharistic Prayer, Consecration of the Elements (bread and wine), Communion, the 
Post-Communion Prayer, Blessing and Dismissal. Two Eucharistic Rites are commonly used by the Episcopal Church: The modern and less-formal Rite II is usually used for most of the year, with the older and more formal Rite I being used during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent (some parishes prefer one or the other year 'round).

Does the church celebrate other rites? : Other rites of the church include The Daily Offices (Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evensong or Evening Prayer, and Compline), which may or may not be offered regularly in any given parish; Baptism (typically held several times during the year during the main Sunday service); Confirmation/Reception (held during the main Sunday service during the Bishop's annual visitation); Burials; Marriages; and Ordinations (these are scheduled by the bishop's office, and may be held at the cathedral, or at various churches throughout the diocese).

How can I learn more about Episcopal worship practices?: The best way to learn more about our worship practices is to look through a copy of The Book of Common Prayer. These can typically be found in the pews in every Episcopal Church, and no one is likely to mind if drop by to peruse a copy. Copies can also often be found in libraries and bookstores.

I'm planning on visiting an Episcopal Church. May I take communion? All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, may take communion in the Episcopal Church. Your own denomination may have some restrictions on where you may or may not communicate, however, so it would be wise to check with a clergyperson in your own church first.

What are the sacraments of the Episcopal Church? Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation ("confession"), Ordination and Unction of the Sick. Of these, Baptism and the Eucharist are considered "necessary" sacraments...the others are "conditional" sacraments (i.e., they are not required of all persons, but apply in certain situations). "Sacraments" are defined as "Outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace."

Does the Episcopal Church baptize infants? Yes. We believe that the grace conferred by the Sacrament of Baptism is not and should not be reserved only for "informed believers."

At what age may a child take communion? A child may take communion at any age. We do not believe that a certain "understanding" of the proceedings is necessary for the sacrament to be valid. The decision of when to take communion is left up to the child and his/her parents.

Does the Episcopal Church ordain women to the clergy?: Yes. The Episcopal Church has ordained women to all orders of ministry since 1976. There are groups within the church, however, that do not agree with this policy and, at the current time, such dissention is allowed.

How do I join the Episcopal Church? Do I need to be confirmed?: If you are coming from a church in the Apostolic Succession (i.e., Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox), and have already been confirmed, you would be "received" by the bishop of your diocese, in a ceremony that normally takes place during the bishop's visit to your church. If you are coming from a different tradition, confirmation might be appropriate. Most churches hold "Inquirer's Courses" (sometimes also called "Journey Courses") prior to the bishop's visitation for people interested in reception or confirmation prior. You will want to speak to the 
rector or vicar of your church if you are interested. Note that confirmation or reception is NOT necessary before you can take communion, or participate in the life of the church.

I have already been baptized in another church. If I become an Episcopalian, do I need to be re-baptized? No. "We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins." Once you have been baptized with water, in the name 
of the Trinity, you have been received by adoption into the family of Christ (not into a particular denomination) and that need not...in fact, should not...be repeated. This is true even if you were a tiny baby when you were baptized. If you wish to make a public, adult, affirmation of faith, you may choose to be confirmed, if appropriate (see above). You also always have the option of publically reaffirming your baptismal vows, even after confirmation, if you so choose...but this is a highly personal matter, and not in any way required.

What is the significance of the Episcopal Seal ("The Shield") and Flag? This symbol, which you will see at virtually every Episcopal Church and website, is the official "logo" of ECUSA, and depicts our history. It is red, white and blue...the colors of both the U.S. and England. The red Cross of St. George on a white field is symbolic of the 
Church of England. The blue field in the upper left corner is the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. It features a Cross of St. Andrew, in recognition of the fact that the first American bishop was consecrated in Scotland. This cross is made up of nine crosslets, which represent the nine dioceses that met in Philadelphia in 1789 to form the Protestant Episcopal Church of the U.S.A.

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