Frequently Asked Questions about being an Episcopalian
What is a creed? A concise and formal statement of basic beliefs about God. The term is derived from the Latin credo, "I believe." Creeds are usually authorized by a faith community and state important points of doctrine, but do not provide an exhaustive statement of all points of belief shared by the community. The historic creeds of Christendom include the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, which are both used by the Episcopal Church in worship.
What does “catholic” mean to Episcopalians? The word “catholic” is drawn from the Greek word meaning "universal" or "found everywhere." Often used to refer to the Roman Catholic Church although the term also includes Anglican, Syrian, Greek, Coptic, Russian and other churches. The Episcopal Church is a catholic church. Catholic churches generally accept the teachings of tradition as well as scripture and usually accept the validity of one or more ancient creeds as the summary of the Christian faith.
Do I have to kneel? No, you don't. Kneeling to pray may express penitence, supplication, and humility. It depends on local custom and personal preference. Recently, following the ancient practice of the church, standing for prayer has been encouraged. Many believe that standing for the eucharistic prayer emphasizes the eucharist to be a celebration in community. You will see both standing and kneeling at Redeemer. Feel free to do what makes you comfortable.
What is a sermon and why have one? A sermon is a religious address in a worship service. The sermon is to "break open" the Word of God and proclaim the gospel in the context of the readings from scripture, the liturgical occasion, the congregation gathered, and the pastoral needs of the situation. The Christian story, the congregation's story, and the preacher's story can be the one story of God's love that is proclaimed in the sermon. A short sermon is often called a "homily."
What is the Peace? An ancient Christian practice, it is an exchange of greeting through word and gesture. It is a sign of reconciliation, love, and renewed relationships in the Christian community. It is initiated by the celebrant, who says, "The peace of the Lord be always with you." The people respond, "And also with you." Any appropriate words of greeting may be used in the exchange of peace that follows between individuals. The gesture of greeting has been expressed in a variety of ways, including a hand shake, an embrace or kiss on the cheek.
What is a Sacrament? It is an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means for receiving God's grace. Baptism and Eucharist are the two great sacraments given by Christ to his church. The Episcopal Church recognizes that five other sacramental rites evolved in the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, including Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, and Unction (the anointing of the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands).
How are spirituality and religion related? Spirituality is the search for meaning in our living and dying, while religion is a system of beliefs practiced by a community of people in answer to that search.
Are Episcopalians expected to go to confession? We don't have confessionals and we don't require private confession. Virtually every public worship service we do contains a prayer of confession followed by an absolution.
But do you have private confession? Yes. Any priest can and will offer you this sacrament.
Do you have a pope? No, in fact Anglicans have no central authority as such. A worldwide Anglican Church does not exist, at least not in the form that one might think. There are nearly 40 independent Anglican churches, none of which has authority over any other. The Anglican Communion has no Pope, no Patriarch, no overall director nor any Parliament or Congress either.
