The Episcopal Church

Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori

The Episcopal Church embraces a via media, or middle way, between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Rooted in the ancient heritage of the early church, and formed by the reformation in England, the Episcopal Church organized as an independent church from the Church of England shortly after the American Revolution.

Episcopal means “bishop” in Greek. The Episcopal Church is governed in part by its bishops. Katherine Jefferts Schori is the first female Presiding Bishop in the history of Anglican Communion. Bishop Jefferts Schori brings to her ministry an emphasis on baptismal ministry and adult education. As Presiding Bishop, she serves as chief pastor to the Episcopal Church’s 2.4 million members in 16 countries and 110 dioceses. She meets and consults with other principal bishops of the 38 member Provinces of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seeking to make common cause for global good and reconciliation.

In the Episcopal Church we follow the Book of Common Prayer to guide our worship. It provides a basic structure for worship, while allowing for local variation of expression, particularly in music. It is called “common prayer,” as the entire body of the Anglican Communion prays the same prayers together. Common prayer unites our hearts and allows for bonds of grace while respecting differences of opinion in relation to the interpretation of scripture.

Learn more about the Episcopal Church

Learn more about our Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori