WHO ARE EPISCOPALIANS?

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The Episcopal Church celebrates diversity welcoming all. We worship, study, and ask questions

as we move into the mystery of God. We don’t tell you what to believe, we encourage

individual spiritual growth. We honor tradition, striving to live by the example of Jesus Christ,

welcoming the stranger, and outcast, helping our neighbors, offering love and forgiveness. We

want communities to be better because the Episcopal Church is present.

 

We are known for engaging and beautiful worship, for being a spiritual home that respects

tradition and maintains a sense of awe and wonder at the power and mystery of God. While

services may differ in style all are in the Book of Common Prayer … Everyone is welcome.

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The Episcopal Church follows a middle way, between Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions,

in theology and discussions. Whether or not we agree on a topic, we all are beloved by God and

encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations.

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WHAT IS THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH?

 

“Episcopal” refers to government by bishops. We seek to continue the work of the first

apostles, encouraging faith and unity, and ordaining people. We belong to the Protestant

Episcopal Church, a branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion in the United States.

 

 

HOW DOES THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH DIFFER FROM OTHER DENOMINATIONS?

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Bishops oversee the Church through dioceses, geographic areas. In the worldwide Anglican

Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury, oversees the Diocese of Canterbury, and occupies a

special, non-governing, position. Bishops meet every 10 years focusing on collegiality and

communal discernment. St. Paul’s Church is a member of the Diocese of Olympia https://ecww.org/ .

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Each bishop and diocese determine the character of congregational life and work in their area.

Decisions are made by a triennial General Convention. Formalized decisions are designated

“canons,” rules that govern. Each diocese sends clergy and lay representatives, “deputies,” to

the General Convention. The Episcopal Church has 1.8 million members in 7,500 congregations

in North America. We are part of the global Anglican Communion, which has 85 million followers.

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Everyone is welcome at God's table. You are welcome to join with us as we share together in experiencing the good news of God’s love in Christ.