Episcopalians gather in communities, usually called parishes. A geographic grouping of communities is called a diocese, each of which is led by a bishop – episcopus in Latin – which gives us our name. In the American Episcopal Church there are more than 100 dioceses. The Presiding Bishop oversees the entire Episcopal Church. The present Presiding Bishop is The Rt. Reverend Sean Rowe. The Diocesan Bishop of Southeast Florida is The Rt. Rev. Peter Eaton who oversees canonically assigned responsibilities in the diocese. The organization and governing principles of the Church are patterned on the principles of representative government, separation of authority, and balance of power that guided the formation of American civil government at the time the Episcopal Church was first founded. The Episcopal Church in the United States is a part of the Anglican Church called the Anglican Communion.
What do Episcopalians believe?
Episcopalians believe in a Trinitarian God, which means a God of creation, redemption, and constant presence and love. This belief is stated in forms called Creeds that are said together at worship services. We believe that the church is Christ living and visible in the world. But we are also human. In fact, belonging to a church is an exercise in patience, forbearance, and love. We believe that we are called to continue practices that date back to Jesus, in celebrations of our rational capacity to do what is good.
Is the Episcopal Church Catholic or Protestant?
The English reformers and their successors tended to avoid falling into either category, preferring instead to straddle what would eventually be coined as “the middle way” – a path that sought to retain the best elements of Catholic and Protestant traditions. As you get to know the Episcopal Church, you will notice elements of both branches of Christendom in our worship, theology and policy.