Dear Friends,

After services, I often have the chance to talk with visitors. They come for various reasons—the liturgy, the music, and events. Some come just once; others become regulars or members. Some are visiting family or friends. Others are searching for a church. Whether Episcopalian or not, I have wondered whether visitors ask, or whether we ever ask ourselves, “What is the Episcopal Church?” I believe it’s important that we can answer that question.

However, asking Episcopalians to describe it will likely yield several answers. Our community includes different traditions. No two parishes are exactly alike, even when they share the Book of Common Prayer. Mentioning the BCP alone doesn’t fully answer visitors’ questions.

I’ve come to realize that when someone asks, “What is the Episcopal Church?” they’re also asking, “What does this church mean to you?” and “Why does it inspire your faith?” Good questions.

People want to know why the church matters and why they should visit or become a member. I usually say: “The Episcopal Church is part of the Jesus movement encouraging us to live out our discipleship through open hearts, minds, eyes, and ears.” Often, they respond with, “Tell me more,” or “What does that mean?” opening the door for a deeper conversation. Here’s what I share next:

Bishop Michael Curry described us as part of a two-thousand-year-old movement guided by Jesus’s teachings and love. It is catholic and reformed. The Episcopal Church helps us practice discipleship.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to live by the two greatest commandments from Matthew 22:36-40, starting the Holy Eucharistic Rite I: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” The Episcopal Church welcomes people from all backgrounds, many of whom bring new experiences and perspectives. These commandments to love God and neighbor invite us to live with empathy and compassion.

The Episcopal Church values books, commentaries, discussions, and workshops, embracing learning through questions, doubts, hopes, and fears. With many people exploring God, we remain open to diverse perspectives, seeing God’s presence in many ways.

In the Episcopal Church, we embrace faith’s mystery and wonder. We learn about God’s word and works, recognizing that faith is a complex thing we know, question, or experience as blessings or mistakes. We accept all, trusting that with God’s help, anything is possible.

In the Episcopal Church, we listen for God’s Holy Spirit. We learn that God is greater than we imagine, and we gather as a community to discover our calling. The Holy Spirit often surprises us, speaking through prayers and unexpected ways. All we need to do is sit quietly and say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

The Episcopal Church is always evolving, covering everything in ‘An Outline of Our Faith’ on page 845 of the BCP and more. As I mentioned, what I value may differ from others’, making our faith community unique.

I invite you to think about how you would describe the Episcopal Church to a friend. You never know when someone might ask you what you love about the church and how it supports your faith in God. What you share could be just what they need to hear.

In Christ,

Father Jon+

Interim Assistant Rector