Episcopal Church facts for kids
Episcopal Churches are Christian churches that have a special way of organizing their leaders. They keep the traditional roles of bishops, priests, and deacons. These churches are different from the Roman Catholic Church. Often, they are part of the Protestant faith or the Anglican tradition. In the United States, the word "Episcopal" is often used to mean the Anglican Church.
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What Does 'Episcopal' Mean?
The word "Episcopal" comes from the Greek word episkopos, which means "overseer" or "bishop." So, an Episcopal church is one that is led by bishops. This system of leadership is very old, going back to the early days of Christianity.
Bishops, Priests, and Deacons
In Episcopal churches, there are three main levels of ordained leaders:
- Bishops: These are the most senior leaders. They oversee a group of churches in a specific area, called a diocese. Bishops are responsible for ordaining new priests and deacons, and they guide the spiritual life of their diocese.
- Priests: Also called presbyters, priests lead local church communities. They conduct worship services, preach sermons, offer sacraments like communion, and provide spiritual guidance to their congregations.
- Deacons: Deacons serve the church and the community. They often help with worship services and focus on ministries that serve people in need, such as helping the poor or sick.
Episcopal Churches Around the World
While the term "Episcopal" is often linked to the Anglican Church, especially in the US, other Christian churches also have a similar leadership structure with bishops, priests, and deacons. These include:
However, when people say "Episcopal Church" without adding more details, they usually mean the churches that are part of the Anglican Communion.
The Anglican Connection
The Anglican Communion is a worldwide family of churches that grew out of the Church of England. Many of these churches, especially in countries like the United States, are known as Episcopal Churches. They share common beliefs, worship styles, and the system of having bishops.
Beliefs and Practices
Episcopal churches generally follow Christian beliefs found in the Bible and ancient creeds, like the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. Their worship services often follow a set pattern, using a book called the Book of Common Prayer. This book guides their prayers, readings, and ceremonies.
Worship Services
Episcopal worship services often include:
- Readings from the Bible
- Sermons (talks about the Bible readings)
- Prayers
- Singing hymns
- The celebration of Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist or Lord's Supper), where people share bread and wine.
These services are designed to help people connect with God and grow in their faith.
History of Episcopal Churches
The history of Episcopal churches is closely tied to the history of the Church of England. The Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation. However, it kept many traditional practices, including the system of bishops.
Growth in the United States
After the American Revolution, the Church of England in the United States needed to become independent from the Church of England in Britain. This led to the formation of The Episcopal Church in the United States. It continued to use the episcopal system of leadership and many Anglican traditions.
See also
In Spanish: Iglesia episcopal para niños
