ANGLICAN/EPISCOPAL BELIEFS AND SERVICES

The Episcopal Church seeks to live out the message of Christ, and all are welcome.

Anglicanism occupies a middle way between Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions. We are a sacramental, worship-centered church that values thoughtful conversation about what God calls us to be and do as followers of Christ.

Anglicans around the world worship in many languages and with many musical and cultural expressions. What unites us is the common shape of our liturgy and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

“Anglican” means “of England.” The Episcopal Church in the United States, like Anglican churches throughout the world, traces its roots to the Church of England and the English Reformation. “Episcopal” refers to our governance by bishops—from the Greek episkopos, meaning “overseer” or “bishop.”

What to Expect on Sunday

An Episcopal service is:

  • Sacramental — We usually celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday.

  • Reverent — We approach worship as a joyful celebration of God’s love.

  • Biblical — Scripture is central to every service.

  • Thoughtful — Sermons connect Scripture with the realities of everyday life.

  • Joyful — We find deep fulfillment in communion with Christ and one another.

If you have worshiped in a Roman Catholic or Lutheran church, much of the service will feel familiar. If you come from a less liturgical tradition—or have never attended church—we invite you to experience the beauty, mystery, and welcome of Episcopal worship.

The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a family of churches that trace their roots to the Church of England and remain in communion with one another.

Following the American Revolution, the Episcopal Church was formally organized in the United States in 1789. The name “Episcopal” reflects our system of governance by bishops rather than by a pope or solely by individual congregations.

Anglican churches are independent of one another while choosing to remain connected in fellowship and common mission. The Archbishop of Canterbury is recognized as the spiritual leader and a symbol of unity for the Anglican Communion, but does not exercise direct authority over churches outside England.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH?

Protestant, Yet Catholic

  • Anglicanism is part of the Reformed tradition while also understanding itself as a continuation of the early Church. The word catholic means “universal.”
  • A helpful Anglican principle is lex orandi, lex credendi: “the rule of prayer is the rule of belief.” We are united by our common prayer and worship rather than by requiring everyone to hold the same theological opinions.
  • We affirm the historic Nicene Creed, while recognizing that faithful Christians may understand aspects of the faith in different ways.

Worship in Our Own Languages and Cultures

  • Episcopalians believe people should be able to worship God and encounter Scripture in the language and cultural expressions they understand best. The Book of Common Prayer has been translated into many languages, and Episcopal worship takes many forms.
  • Some congregations worship with traditional music and language; others incorporate contemporary music and cultural traditions. The underlying principle is simple: God meets us in many different ways.

The Book of Common Prayer

  • The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is at the heart of Anglican worship. Called “common prayer” because it is shared by Christians around the world, it provides the basic framework for worship, including the Eucharist, daily prayers, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other services.
  • The first English Book of Common Prayer was compiled by Thomas Cranmer in the sixteenth century and has been revised many times. The Episcopal Church's current BCP was adopted in 1979.
  • At Episcopal Church of the Nativity, the liturgy is printed in the worship leaflet, but its prayers and structure come from the Book of Common Prayer.

Scripture, Tradition, and Reason

Anglicans often describe our approach to faith through three complementary sources: Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.
  • Scripture — We look to the Bible as the Word of God and the foundation of our faith.
  • Tradition — We learn from the wisdom and experience of Christians who have gone before us.
  • Reason — We use thoughtful reflection, experience, and knowledge to understand Scripture and apply it faithfully in today's world.

These three work together as we seek to understand God's Word and live it out. At Episcopal Church of the Nativity, we describe this as being “grounded in tradition, yet open to the world.”
We value both faith and learning. Science helps us understand the natural world, while Scripture helps us consider questions of meaning, purpose, and how we are called to live.

THE SHAPE OF THE SERVICE

The Liturgy of the Word

  • We begin with song and prayer, followed by readings from Scripture. Each Sunday includes readings from the Old Testament, the Epistles, and the Gospels, along with a Psalm, which the congregation usually recites together.
  • A sermon follows, connecting the day's readings with our lives and faith. On the first Sunday of each month at Episcopal Church of the Nativity, children are invited to have a conversation with the preacher instead of a traditional sermon. Their questions often teach all of us!
  • We then recite the Nicene Creed, the fourth-century statement of Christian faith, followed by prayers for the Church, the world, those in need, the sick, those who have died, and all the blessings of our lives.
  • During most of the Church year, we also make a corporate confession, acknowledging what we have done and what we have left undone. The presider then pronounces God's forgiveness, or absolution.
  • The service continues with the Peace, when we greet one another in God's name. A handshake, hug, or simple word of peace is welcome—feel free to leave your seat and greet those around you!

The Liturgy of the Table

  • At the altar, bread and wine are prepared for the Eucharist. The Eucharistic Prayer tells the story of God's relationship with humanity—from Creation and the people of Israel to Jesus Christ and his life, death, and resurrection.
  • The bread and wine are blessed, and we pray for the Lord's Prayer. The priest then breaks the bread and invites us to receive it with the words, “The gifts of God for the people of God.”
  • We gather around the altar to share the consecrated bread and wine. Everyone is welcome to receive Communion at Episcopal Church of the Nativity, including children.
  • Whether you are a lifelong Episcopalian, a Christian from another tradition, or simply curious about faith, you are welcome here.

Learn More

Exploring this website <http://www.episcopalchurch.org/> (provided by the national Episcopal Church) may answer some of your questions – or raise additional ones! Click on the highlighted link, and then click on the menu item “What We Believe” to find out more about Episcopalians.

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