What is an Episcopalian

What is an Episcopalian?

An Episcopalian is a Christian who belongs to the Episcopal Church—a community in which we learn to live, worship, think, believe, and see the world as followers of Jesus Christ.

We share much with other Christians, including Lutherans and Roman Catholics: ancient patterns of worship, a rich musical inheritance, and a life shaped by Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments. Yet the Episcopal Church, with its roots in the Church of England, has its own distinctive—and rather beautiful—way of living the Christian faith.

Our history is long and complicated, marked by faithful witness and human failings, and deeply enriched by a remarkable artistic and cultural inheritance. To explore how the Episcopal Church developed from its European roots, visit the Timeline of the Episcopal Church.

Our worship

The Bible is central to our worship. Our hymnals and prayer books are inspired and informed by Scripture, and we find sustenance in the rhythm of the church calendar, also known as the liturgical year.

We typically celebrate Holy Eucharist on Sundays. Also known as Holy Communion or the Mass, this service has much in common with the worship of Lutheran and Roman Catholic congregations, though our traditions differ in aspects of belief and practice. Sometimes, instead of a Eucharistic service, we gather for Morning or Evening Prayer, which may be spoken or sung.

You can explore our prayers and services in The Book of Common Prayer.

We are also known for the numerous—and sometimes inscrutable—names we give to things. Consider, for example:

• Proper and Ordinary

• Ambo and purificator

• Columbarium

• Lectionary

• Ablutions

• Gradual

The list goes on. You do not need to know these words before you walk through our doors. But if you are curious, the Episcopal Church’s glossary is a good place to begin.

Our wider church family

Our parish belongs to the Diocese of Spokane, a regional community of Episcopal congregations under the care of a bishop. Together, we can do astonishing things as we live out our baptismal covenant in service to one another and our neighbors.

You can learn more about our diocese and our bishop at the Diocese of Spokane website.

Our diocese is part of the Episcopal Church, which belongs to the worldwide Anglican Communion—a family of self-governing churches sharing a common heritage of faith and worship.

To explore that heritage further, visit the websites of the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Come and see

There is much more to discover in this heritage: its history, its humanity, its beauty, and its contradictions. We believe that exploring it can be rewarding and inspiring.

In the meantime, come and spend a Sunday with us. Get to know us as we are: people seeking to love God and one another, not always getting it right, but willing to keep learning.

Bring your questions. Come and see. And know that God loves you, no matter what.