Episcopalian

What’s an Episcopalian?

What is an Episcopalian?

An Episcopalian is a Christian who belongs to the Episcopal Church, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Our roots go back to the earliest centuries of Christianity, when the Christian faith first spread to the British Isles. Over time, the Church in England became part of the Roman Catholic Church. During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, the Church of England separated from Rome while retaining much of its ancient worship, traditions, and understanding of the Christian faith.

This unique history is why Episcopalians consider themselves both Catholic and Reformed. We are Catholic in the sense that our faith and worship are rooted in the ancient, universal Church, and Reformed in the sense that we have been shaped by the Protestant Reformation.

The Episcopal Church grew out of this Anglican tradition in America and remains connected to millions of Anglican Christians around the world.

 We worship in a tradition that is both ancient and open to new understanding, drawing on Scripture, tradition, and reason as we seek to follow Jesus Christ in today's world.

Living the Episcopal Faith

Our liturgy, or worship service, is deeply rooted in tradition and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection through the Eucharist service. We pray, take communion, and through our Baptismal vows, we promise to work for justice, peace, and “respect the dignity of every human being.” 

Episcopalians welcome all who seek a relationship with God and strive to be inclusive of all types of diversity. 

St. Chad’s is first and foremost a Christian church. Additionally, we are an Episcopal Church in the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, NM. If you would like to know more about our beliefs as Episcopalians, please visit the Episcopal Church website.