Episcopalianism

What is Episcopalianism?

• Episcopalianism is a Christian sect better known as Anglicanism.

• The original settlers in America were Anglican, but felt it was better to be known as Episcopalian after the Revolution.

• The term “episcopalian” means that bishops head the church, as opposed to elected elders heading the church as in Presbyterianism.

History• Episcopalianism is

rooted in Anglicanism, which was founded by Henry VIII in 1534 as a means to divorce his first wife. It was very similar to Roman Catholicism, and loyalty remained mostly with Rome.

More History• Thomas Cranmer,

Archbishop of Canterbury, published the first edition of the Book of Common Prayer, which standardized all Anglican worship and is what Anglicanism is still based on today.

Still More History• Queen Elizabeth I

affirms Protestantism in England, ending religious turmoil and solidifying Anglicanism as a separate sect of Christianity by rewriting the Book of Common Prayer around 1570.

Yep, History still• William White is the

first presiding bishop of the new Episcopal Church, which meets officially for the first time in 1789.

• This is what I got when I googled “William White”:

Similarities to Catholicism

• Since Anglicanism/Episcopalianism has its roots in Roman Catholicism, the two religions share many characteristics.

• System of bishops and archbishops• Sacraments such as baptism and

communion, although some are de-emphasized

• Mary is considered mother of church• Priests can remit sins

Differences from Catholicism

• Episcopalianism differs from Catholicism in several small ways.

• Saints are recognized, but canonization doesn’t exist.

• Mary has less importance, though still prominent.

• Celibacy is not required amongst the clergy.

• Less emphasis on certain sacraments

Structure• The hierarchal structure

of the Episcopalian church is the same as that of the Anglican and Catholic churches, with bishops heading diocese. The head of the Episcopal Church is the presiding bishop, while Anglicans consider the Archbishop of Canterbury their spiritual leader. The current presiding bishop is a man named Frank Griswold.