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About Episcopalians
Anglicanism, the Episcopal Church, and the Book of Common Prayer
Anglicanism is the religious tradition born of the once-Roman Catholic Church of England, which rejected the supremacy of Rome and the pope in the 16th century. The tradition in its present form blends elements of Catholicism and Reformation church life: religious services resemble those of Catholic practice; bishops, priests, and deacons may marry; bishops are elected by the people and the clergy together. Our church ordains both men and women.
The Episcopal Church in the United States became independent at the time of the American Revolution. In recent decades the traditional affinity for English Anglicanism has increasingly combined with elements reflecting contemporary American life.
For Episcopal congregations, the Book of Common Prayer, is one of the major works of English literature. Since its introduction in the mid-1500's it has exerted enormous influence on the religious and literary lives of all who speak the English language. The Book of Common Prayer has gone through a number of editions, not only in England where it originated, but in all the places where the various Churches of the Anglican communion are now active.
The historic shared legacy of the worldwide Anglican Communion, contains the agreed-upon forms for public worship, known as the Liturgy. It includes as well an Outline of the Faith summarizing the essential doctrines espoused by the Episcopal Church.
There are three basic creeds that represent the beliefs of Episcopalians and Anglicans worldwide: