
The Episcopal Church is a Christian community professing faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, as declared in the historic creeds of Christianity. Its roots go back to our Lord Jesus Christ and his holy apostles, maintaining an unbroken line of apostolic succession through its bishops, priests and deacons.
Historically, the Episcopal Church in the United States descended from the Church of England. After the American Revolution, it was organized as an autonomous entity, separating jurisdictionally from the Church of England. In 1785, the First General Convention of the Episcopal Church was held, with representatives from several states, laying the foundation for its present structure.
The Episcopal Church is an autonomous province within the worldwide Anglican Communion, in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury. This communion is an international network of churches that share Anglican traditions and collaborate on a variety of initiatives.
Contrary to popular belief, King Henry VIII did not found the Anglican Church. The Episcopal Church considers itself both Protestant and Catholic, having retained the historic ministry of bishops, priests and deacons, the seven sacraments and the historic creeds as expressions of its Catholic faith. However, it owes no allegiance to the Pope and differs from the Roman Catholic Church on several points of theology and practice. It is often referred to as a “bridge church” between Protestantism and Catholicism.
Washington National Cathedral is the principal Episcopalian church in the United States, functioning as a national gathering place and being affiliated with the government by an act of Congress passed in 1883.
The Episcopal Church is governed by the General Convention, a body that meets every three years and includes the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. This bicameral structure reflects its commitment to democratic participation and representation of clergy and laity in its governance.
For more information about The Episcopal Church, including details about its congregations, programs and events, visit its official website: