70% of Us Not Born Episcopalian

Yes, we’re a church of refugees.

The clear majority of those in Episcopal Church pews on Sunday mornings were not born Episcopalians.  Most of us came from other Christian denominations or from no church background at all.  So, what’s the draw?

Since many converts come as adults, chances are reason and logic play a role in a person’s decision to become an Episcopalian.  The Episcopal Church has consistently been labeled a “middle road”—a “via media”—between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.  We bring the reference and rootedness of an ancient tradition alongside a clear devotion to the Bible and priesthood of all believers. 

In years past, in fact, some people suggested that were America to unite under one, central religion, it just might be the Episcopal Church.  It’s worth noting that the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., host to some of the nation’s most important religious events, is an Episcopal Church.  In fact, the official name of the church is the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and it is the seat of the presiding bishop of the ECUSA as well as the bishop of the Diocese of Washington. 

•    The church is the Episcopal Church;
•    Its members are Episcopalians.

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This is the first in an on-going series on the Episcopal Church.  Our source: “The Episcopal Handbook,” published by Morehouse Publishing and available at the bookstore of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta: www.cathedralbookstore.org or telephone 800-643-7150.