As Episcopalians, we LOVE questions! We are a thinking people and strive to engage with our ancient sacred texts passed down throughout the millennia. Maybe you have some questions too. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions that our Diocese has put together to help ease some of the newbie jitters that some of us first feel when we are getting to know this church. We hope that they are helpful. Of course, you can always come to check us out and ask us in person…
What is an Episcopalian?
A person who belongs to the Episcopal Church is called an “Episcopalian.” The word “Episcopal” means a church governed by bishops. We call our local churches “parishes,” which are governed by an elected “vestry” of ordinary people who help lead the church and make important day-to-day decisions. The pastor of an Episcopal church is usually called a “priest.” In the Episcopal Church, priests are allowed to marry and women may also serve as priests.
What is a Diocese?
The word “Diocese” (pronounced DY-oh-seas) comes from the Latin and Greek words for “administration.” The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan is one of 15 Dioceses in the Fifth Province of the U.S. Episcopal Church. (See map) Each Diocese is headed by a Bishop, who reports to our Presiding Bishop at church headquarters in New York.
Do you have to be an Episcopalian to go to an Episcopal Church?
No. All people are welcome here, regardless of background. Many of our members come to us from other faith traditions and denominations. You’ll find a friendly community of people united by their faith in God and eagerness to serve others.
Will they tell me how to think, how to act or how to vote?
Absolutely not. In the Episcopal Church, we know that every journey toward God is unique and highly personal. You won’t be forced to think a certain way or “get in line” with everyone else. In fact, you’re welcome to bring your questions, doubts, hopes and dreams with you. There’s a good reason why the Episcopal tradition is sometimes called “the thinking person’s church.” You’ll be encouraged to think for yourself and seek guidance from God through prayer, worship, meditation, reading, and any other method that works for you. Each one of us is precious to God and we all find God in different ways.
- The Bible
- The Book of Common Prayer (contains a calendar of Church year, order of Bible readings, orders of services, and some of the most beautiful prayers ever written)
- The Hymnal
What’s an Episcopal Church service like?
The Episcopal Church worships in the “liturgical style,” which means all Episcopal churches follow a relatively common order of service. Being with a community of believers inspires us, nurtures us, encourages us, and comforts us. Our Sunday services throughout the year usually include an opening procession, singing, Bible readings, prayers for ourselves and others, time for meditation, a sermon or pastoral message, and Communion (Holy Eucharist) where we share bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper.
We use three central texts during our services:
Scripture (the primary source) The Old and New Testaments contain the essence of Christian doctrine. They reveal God to humankind, and tell of our response to God in history. The Bible helps us to know God’s will, revealed supremely through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Scriptures are the word of God, proclaiming that Jesus – both God and human being – is Christ, the Messiah.
Reason (gifts of the Holy Spirit) The Episcopal Church does not control interpretation and practice. Instead, members are encouraged to use reason to explore and comprehend God’s works; to make responsible moral decisions under the guidance of Scripture, the ordained ministry and in response to sincere prayer.
Tradition (wisdom of generations past). Tradition helps us to interpret Scripture; lets us share experiences of early Christians and believers of every era; preserves hymns, prayers, etc., that keep our faith alive; strengthens our faith. Through its continuity and consistency, tradition helps preserve essential truths through liturgy. The Book of Common Prayer tells us that private worship is not always adequate; religion is a fellowship. You relate to the whole church through your parish, your local church community. Being with a community of believers inspires us, nurtures us, encourages us, and comforts us.
What key terms and basic definitions help define our faith?
Interpretation of the faith varies somewhat from parish to parish, but within the framework of these basic guidelines:
The Holy Trinity: God is three persons or beings in one:
- God the Father: infinite, omnipotent, good.
- God the Son: the joyous union of both God and human being, whose life and death and resurrection set us free from the bondage of sin and death, and reunited us with God our Father in love and forgiveness
- God the Holy Spirit: God’s power of love moving within us and among us in mysterious and unexpected ways.
Salvation: This means the end of our separation from God; the beginning of a new life, lived according to God’s will; gained by us because of Christ’s sacrifice, when he took all of our sins upon Himself and paid for them with his life; every Christian should witness to Christ’s sacrifice and express the living truth of this sacrifice to the world (which is called “evangelism”).
The Church: The people of God; all baptized people are the members and all play an equally important role in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. One: One Body under one Head, Jesus Christ. Holy: The Holy Spirit dwells in it and its members.
Catholic: Universal; holding the faith for all time, everywhere, for everybody.
Apostolic: Continuing in the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship. (The Apostles were the authoritative New Testament group sent out to preach the gospel and made up especially of Christ’s original disciples [“followers”] and Paul.)
Worship: A joyous response to God’s love; an expression of hope for salvation; a chance to praise God and receive strength and forgiveness; a way to share faith with other believers.