What Episcopalians Believe

An Introduction

Episcopalian identity tends to focus on history and worship, and sometimes on ethics—but “cradle” and new Episcopalians—plus seekers—will benefit from having a brief, accessible summary of the Christian faith as seen through an Episcopalian lens. There are two underlying convictions behind the book: first, that ecumenism is at the heart of the Episcopal faith. Episcopalians are well placed to offer themselves as a place of convergence between Roman Catholics and Protestants, and even between Roman Catholics and the Orthodox. Secondly, in the current conflicts both within the Episcopal Church and between the Episcopal Church and some of its Anglican Communion partners, there is no fundamental difference in doctrine. The book is an attempt to portray what all parties have in common. The book comes in four parts: The Faith—outlining notions of Trinity, Jesus, Israel, Holy Spirit, Church, Creation, Kingdom, and salvation. Sources of the Faith—Scripture, tradition and reason. The Order of the Faith—Worship, Ministry, Mission. The Character of the Faith—English legacies, American dreams, Global dimensions.