Tell me about Anglican Episcopals.

[Cat]

There are quite a few threads on CAF in which Anglican Episcopals speak up.

Could you tell me about Anglican Episcopals? A little history? A little summary of basic doctrines?

Am I using the proper name, “Anglican Episcopals”? If not, what is the correct name?

What are the differences between Anglican Episcopals, regular Anglicans, and regular Episcopalians?

Those who post here seem to imply that the Anglican Episcopal church is everywhere. But in this part of the country (Northern Illinois, not Chicago), we don’t hear about this church at all. If there is an Anglican church of any kind in our city, I’ve never heard of it. Where are the strongholds of Anglican Episcopals in the United States? By that, I mean are there areas or cities where this denomination is popular and has more members?

In our city (pop. 150,000), we have Episcopalian churches, and they tend to be extremely liberal (two of the Episcopalian churches in our city are pastored by practicing lesbians, and the churches are actively promoted as “inclusive,” meaning welcoming of any sexual preference or orientation). From what I hear from my friends who attend these churches, a lot of the members are ex-Catholics who strongly disagree with the Catholic Church about homosexuality, gay marriage, and other sexuality issues.

The Anglican Episcopal church seems to have a lot of connection with Scotland, at least, that’s the impression I’m getting. Is this true? Is the denomination strongly nationalistic, or do people with other ethnicities and nationalities join?

Recently a group of Anglican churches decided to return to the Catholic Church, and the Catholic Church is allowing the “Anglican Rite” Catholics. What is the relationship of the Anglican Episcopals with this development? Are the Anglican Episcopals “more Catholic” or “less Catholic?”

My favorite actor, Robert Patrick, converted to this religion several years ago, and he often speaks in interviews of attending Mass and of his family’s (wife of nearly 20 years and two children) active involvement with their church. He talks about the traditions and prayers of this denomination with great love and respect. He also mentions other actors who attend the same parish, so I’m wondering if there is a reason why the Anglican Episcopal church is attracting entertainment industry professionals. (I’m not criticizing this, BTW–I think that it’s great that entertainment industry professionals are attending Christian churches!)

Thank you so much for filling me in.

 

[Contarini]

There are quite a few threads on CAF in which Anglican Episcopals speak up.

Could you tell me about Anglican Episcopals? A little history? A little summary of basic doctrines?

Am I using the proper name, “Anglican Episcopals”? If not, what is the correct name?

What are the differences between Anglican Episcopals, regular Anglicans, and regular Episcopalians?

Cat, I’m a bit confused by your post. I started to say that there was no such denomination as “Anglican Episcopals,” but I checked myself long enough to Google, and found that in fact there are several. But they are all extremely small and probably aren’t what you have in mind.

Episcopalians are Anglicans–I think this may be what is confusing you. They are the official U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion, though at this point certain mild disciplinary measures have been imposed by the Communion and our participation in some of the “instruments of Communion” has been curtailed.

There are a number of Anglicans in this country who do not belong to the Episcopal Church. Some Episcopalians would say that they aren’t really Anglicans because they aren’t recognized by Canterbury, but then some of the traditional Anglicans would say that we aren’t really Anglicans because we’ve messed with the tradition too much. So I’m not going to start an argument over what makes an Anglican an Anglican–it’s not, after all, a term with great ecclesiological significance like “Catholic” or “Orthodox.”

These non-Episcopal Anglicans fall into two broad groups (though there are many, many small denominations or “jurisdictions,” and this is an oversimplified picture):

1. The “Continuing Anglicans” who left the Episcopal Church several decades ago because of Prayer Book revision and the ordination of women, They are liturgically traditional and many of them are Anglo-Catholics. GKC represents that perspective very well on these forums.
2. The folks who belong to the recently formed “Anglican Church in North America” (ACNA; ironically, the Continuing Anglicans also briefly formed a denomination with this name, which collapsed almost immediately). They are more likely to be evangelical (though they include some Anglo-Catholics), and have a broad range of worship styles. They also include segments that accept women’s ordination–an issue that has the potential to divide them. Unlike the Continuers, the ACNA wishes to be accepted as a member province of the Anglican Communion. They are in communion with various conservative provinces of the Communion, but as of this point are not recognized by Canterbury. Yes, this is very complicated! The situation may resolve itself into something easier to explain within a few years, but it’s not happening fast.

I should finally note that within the Episcopal Church, many of us see our membership in the Anglican Communion as more important than our membership in the Episcopal Church. I would call myself an “Anglican” more readily than an “Episcopalian” for that reason. (The most important thing, of course, is neither of these, but membership in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.)

In our city (pop. 150,000), we have Episcopalian churches

Then you have Anglicans!

My favorite actor, Robert Patrick, converted to this religion several years ago

I couldn’t find anything about his religious affiliation by a quick google search, so I’m not sure if he just became Episcopalian, or if he joined a conservative Anglican church. It is certainly possible that he joined the small group to whose wikipedia entry I linked above. They seem to be centered in California.

Edwin

 

[TheExorcist]

Edwin,
Good answer! My first attempt to leave the LDS church found me at the doors of an Episcopal church, in Salt Lake City ironically enough. I attended several parishes there until I found one I loved. I ended up attending a parish that was very traditional in most ways. The rector was an ex-Catholic priest and his assisting priest came from an LCMS background, so both very conservative and traditional. I think they found their way to the Episcopal church because of the social justice and inclusiveness component present in many parishes.*

Cat, you will find a HUGE variety in the Episcopal church in the US. Some of them will look and feel very informal and some will feel almost like a Catholic church.*

It’s there I fell in love with liturgy and that’s what ultimately led me to want to join the Catholic church.*

 

[kylemccloughan]

Episcopalains are Anglicans because the Episcopal church is one of the Primates of the Anglican Communion. Other churches in the Anglican Communion would be the Church of Canada, the Church of the Southern Cone, the Church of Uganda and several others. 39 I believe to be exact. I am a member of ACNA which is Anglican historically and in doctrine and practice but is currently not a Primate.

 

[GKC]

episcopalains are anglicans because the episcopal church is one of the primates of the anglican communion. Other churches in the anglican communion would be the church of canada, the church of the southern cone, the church of uganda and several others. 39 i believe to be exact. I am a member of acna which is anglican historically and in doctrine and practice but is currently not a primate.

Gkc

 

[ETEXAS]

I was Anglican in the Reformed Episcopal Church…is your OP about different Anglican Bodies? We used the 1662 and 1928 BCP. The 28 is a great service (by the bye )if one is going to be Anglican…used Mainly in the US and some areas of Canada.

 

[Cheshangle]

There are quite a few threads on CAF in which Anglican Episcopals speak up.

Could you tell me about Anglican Episcopals? A little history? A little summary of basic doctrines?

Am I using the proper name, “Anglican Episcopals”? If not, what is the correct name?

What are the differences between Anglican Episcopals, regular Anglicans, and regular Episcopalians?

Those who post here seem to imply that the Anglican Episcopal church is everywhere. But in this part of the country (Northern Illinois, not Chicago), we don’t hear about this church at all. If there is an Anglican church of any kind in our city, I’ve never heard of it. Where are the strongholds of Anglican Episcopals in the United States? By that, I mean are there areas or cities where this denomination is popular and has more members?

In our city (pop. 150,000), we have Episcopalian churches, and they tend to be extremely liberal (two of the Episcopalian churches in our city are pastored by practicing lesbians, and the churches are actively promoted as “inclusive,” meaning welcoming of any sexual preference or orientation). From what I hear from my friends who attend these churches, a lot of the members are ex-Catholics who strongly disagree with the Catholic Church about homosexuality, gay marriage, and other sexuality issues.

The Anglican Episcopal church seems to have a lot of connection with Scotland, at least, that’s the impression I’m getting. Is this true? Is the denomination strongly nationalistic, or do people with other ethnicities and nationalities join?

Recently a group of Anglican churches decided to return to the Catholic Church, and the Catholic Church is allowing the “Anglican Rite” Catholics. What is the relationship of the Anglican Episcopals with this development? Are the Anglican Episcopals “more Catholic” or “less Catholic?”

My favorite actor, Robert Patrick, converted to this religion several years ago, and he often speaks in interviews of attending Mass and of his family’s (wife of nearly 20 years and two children) active involvement with their church. He talks about the traditions and prayers of this denomination with great love and respect. He also mentions other actors who attend the same parish, so I’m wondering if there is a reason why the Anglican Episcopal church is attracting entertainment industry professionals. (I’m not criticizing this, BTW–I think that it’s great that entertainment industry professionals are attending Christian churches!)

Thank you so much for filling me in.

I think that others have answered the points you make, but perhaps I’ve caused a bit of confusion by calling myself Anglican Episcopal. I used the word Episcopal because this is an American website. As I think you know, the Anglican Communion consists of various churches. I’m a member of the Church of England. When I lived in Australia I attended the Anglican Church of Australia; in Ireland the Church of Ireland. And when I’m in the USA I go to the local Episcopal church.

 

[kylemccloughan]

Gkc

Thanks for the correction. I’m so used to saying 39 because the ACNA will make it 39 if it ever becomes part of the Communion. I’m sure it will be years away if it does.

 

[nhylan]

I think that others have answered the points you make, but perhaps I’ve caused a bit of confusion by calling myself Anglican Episcopal. I used the word Episcopal because this is an American website. As I think you know, the Anglican Communion consists of various churches. I’m a member of the Church of England. When I lived in Australia I attended the Anglican Church of Australia; in Ireland the Church of Ireland. And when I’m in the USA I go to the local Episcopal church.

Cheshangle, I didnt know you also were in Ireland. The Church of Ireland has to have one of the most beautiful services for Holy Matrimony ever, I used it when I got married 9 months ago!

 

[Cheshangle]

Cheshangle, I didnt know you also were in Ireland. The Church of Ireland has to have one of the most beautiful services for Holy Matrimony ever, I used it when I got married 9 months ago!

Well, my story is that when I had to take early retirement in my mid-fifties, we went out to Australia, where we have lots of family, on a four year visa. When that expired we moved to Ireland, where we also have family, and stayed another four years. We left two years ago, with considerable regret, to look after g/son here in Cheshire.

I loved the CofI and still do, but I also developed a great affection for the RC Church when I was there. And I retain that affection.

 

[Izdaari]

I’m not officially a member of any Anglican church, but I’ll always think of myself as an honorary Anglican, because of how deeply my theology has been influenced by such Anglicans as C.S. Lewis and N.T. Wright. And I like to visit my local Episcopal cathedral when I get in a liturgical mood, which my Pentecostal church doesn’t satisfy.

 

[kylemccloughan]

I’m not officially a member of any Anglican church, but I’ll always think of myself as an honorary Anglican, because of how deeply my theology has been influenced by such Anglicans as C.S. Lewis and N.T. Wright. And I like to visit my local Episcopal cathedral when I get in a liturgical mood, which my Pentecostal church doesn’t satisfy.

Interesting…

 

[Cheshangle]

I’m not officially a member of any Anglican church, but I’ll always think of myself as an honorary Anglican, because of how deeply my theology has been influenced by such Anglicans as C.S. Lewis and N.T. Wright. And I like to visit my local Episcopal cathedral when I get in a liturgical mood, which my Pentecostal church doesn’t satisfy.

In Queensland the church which seemed to be growing fastest was the Baptist church. Other churches, including ours, lost people to it. They seemed to feel that they could become “more involved” there. But one person who (half) moved asked our Rector if he could still come and take communion once a month because he missed the liturgical/sacramental bit.

The answer was, “yes”. I’m not sure how a RC priest would have responded.

 

[Anna_Scott]

I think that others have answered the points you make, but perhaps I’ve caused a bit of confusion by calling myself Anglican Episcopal. I used the word Episcopal because this is an American website. As I think you know, the Anglican Communion consists of various churches. I’m a member of the Church of England. When I lived in Australia I attended the Anglican Church of Australia; in Ireland the Church of Ireland. And when I’m in the USA I go to the local Episcopal church.

Cheshangle,
You don’t have to use the “Episcopal” label, just because this is an American website. It might be less confusing to change your religious designation to “Church of England”–but only if you want to.

I am an Anglican Catholic attending an Episcopal Church, which considers itself to be Anglican Catholic. We are “high church” with a Liturgy almost identical to a Catholic Mass. We lean heavily towards Catholicism and even some elements of Eastern Orthodoxy.

In Queensland the church which seemed to be growing fastest was the Baptist church. Other churches, including ours, lost people to it. They seemed to feel that they could become “more involved” there. But one person who (half) moved asked our Rector if he could still come and take communion once a month because he missed the liturgical/sacramental bit.

The answer was, “yes”. I’m not sure how a RC priest would have responded.

Interesting. I left the Baptist Church of 12,000 members (though I think they are down to 10,000 now) to join a conservative Episcopal congregation of about 1,000 (a little over 400 actually attend the Sunday Eucharist.) I fell in love with the Liturgy the very first visit, and would not give up the Sacraments for anything.

The large Baptist Church has all sorts of “entertainment” and facilities. I reached a point where Sunday morning services felt more like a “spectator sport” than worship. I could never go back. That’s not to say that there are not Baptists devoted to Christ.

Peace,
Anna

 

[Cat]

Thank you to all who have responded. I appreciate the information.

 

[Cheshangle]

Cheshangle,
You don’t have to use the “Episcopal” label, just because this is an American website. It might be less confusing to change your religious designation to “Church of England”–but only if you want to.

I am an Anglican Catholic attending an Episcopal Church, which considers itself to be Anglican Catholic. We are “high church” with a Liturgy almost identical to a Catholic Mass. We lean heavily towards Catholicism and even some elements of Eastern Orthodoxy.

Interesting. I left the Baptist Church of 12,000 members (though I think they are down to 10,000 now) to join a conservative Episcopal congregation of about 1,000 (a little over 400 actually attend the Sunday Eucharist.) I fell in love with the Liturgy the very first visit, and would not give up the Sacraments for anything.

The large Baptist Church has all sorts of “entertainment” and facilities. I reached a point where Sunday morning services felt more like a “spectator sport” than worship. I could never go back. That’s not to say that there are not Baptists devoted to Christ.

Peace,
Anna

It’s interesting that the Baptist church is very low key in England. We don’t have one in our town (pop 15,000). In the south of Ireland, it is virtually non-existent* outside Dublin, where there is one very thriving church. One of the congregation there had a weekend cotage near where we lived, and used to come to our church. He took communion, and on occasion played the organ: vey well.

I once discomfited an Irish American by pointing out to him that of the large number of “Irish” American Presidents, a lot were Baptist*, but only one RC!

 

[Anna_Scott]

It’s interesting that the Baptist church is very low key in England. We don’t have one in our town (pop 15,000). In the south of Ireland, it is virtually non-existent* outside Dublin, where there is one very thriving church. One of the congregation there had a weekend cotage near where we lived, and used to come to our church. He took communion, and on occasion played the organ: vey well.

I once discomfited an Irish American by pointing out to him that of the large number of “Irish” American Presidents, a lot were Baptist*, but only one RC!

Cheshangle,
It’s always interesting to hear how different Churches thrive better in certain parts of the world and the flux of influence over time. It’s so strange to hear there is no Baptist Church in your town. I’m in Texas, land of mega Churches— with many Baptist and Non-denominational Churches. We also have a large number of Mormons in our area, with an elaborate Mormon Temple just a few miles from my home.

Peace,
Anna