Episcopal 101
Welcome to the Episcopal Church!
The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ and comprises 108 dioceses (regional bodies) and three mission areas in 22 countries or territories.
While The Episcopal Church is headquartered in New York City, we are not a national church—we are a multinational denomination.
As the only U.S.-based member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, The Episcopal Church is part of the world’s third-largest group of Christians and currently has more than 1.5 million members.
We are denominational descendants of—and partners with—the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church.
The mission of the church, as stated in the Book of Common Prayer’s catechism, is “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.”
In step with that mission, The Episcopal Church follows Jesus into loving, liberating, and life-giving relationships with God, with each other, and with the earth.
We are the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.
Let’s catch up! Who are Episcopalians?
As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.
The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion and traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity.
Our liturgy (worship) retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated in many languages.
Everyone in the church has a vital role in governance and ministry at every level.
People of every gender, orientation and relationship status are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests, and bishops.
We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer.
We believe in amendment of life, the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting.
Holy Communion may be received by all baptized Christians, not only members of the Episcopal Church.
We celebrate our unity in Christ while honoring our differences, placing the work of love before uniformity of opinion.
We affirm that committed relationships are lifelong and monogamous. Episcopalians also recognize that there is grace after divorce and those who are divorced are welcome to receive the sacraments just like all other members.
We affirm that issues such as birth control are matters of personal informed conscience. Episcopalians represent a wide spectrum of belief.
All are welcome to find a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church.
Find out more about the Episcopal Church here.
Connect to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas here.