The Episcopal Shield
The Episcopal Shield is a St. George Cross, an indicator of our link to the Church of England, the mother of the Anglican Communion. The small crosses in the blue quadrant symbolize the nine original American dioceses that met in Philadelphia in 1789 to adopt the constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Unites States of America. The small crosses are shaped after the St. Andrew’s Cross in tribute to the Scottish Episcopal Church’s role in ordaining the first American bishop, Samuel Seabury, in 1784
Protestant vs Catholic
Protestants disagreed with what was happening in the Roman Catholic church (Martin Luther, one of the first to protest, was himself a Roman Catholic that didn’t like what they were doing in Rome). The protesters established “churches” based on the religeous beliefs and interpretations of their leaders and followers.
The Roman Church remained under the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). Protestant churches formed numerous denominations, all believing in and worshiping Jesus Christ. [link to YouTube topic]
Episcopalian vs Anglican
Protestants in England established
the Anglican Church as the national religion of England, also called “The
Church of England”. When the British
colonized the Americas, they naturally brought “The Church of England” with
them. Independent-minded Americans used
the term “Episcopal” to differentiate their church in America from England. “Episcopal” means
ruled by Bishops” and maintains the Anglican tradition of “apostolic succession” all the way back to
Jesus’ apostles. The term “Episcopal” is
used primarily in the United States.
“Anglican” is used in England and throughout the world as the Communion
of Anglicans (Anglican Communion). Episcopalians
are part of the Anglican Communion.
Diocese vs Parish Each congregation of people in the Episcopal Church is called a
“parish” Each parish is a member of a Diocese and each Diocese is under the direction of a Bishop. Diocese ar usually geographical.
Episcopal Terms (Say What?)
Eucharist – communion
Cradle-Episcopalian – someone who grew up in the Episcopal Church
Narthex – the foyer of the church
Nave – where the people sit, where the pews ar located
Sanctuary – a “platform” (elevated area) where the altar is
Vicar – the priest of a mission parish, under the direction of a Bishop. An ordained person.
Vestry – the church council of 10-12 lay people. In small parishes, the Vestry is often called a Bishop’s Committee (BC) and has 6 lay members.
Wardens (Senior and Junior) – Council leaders, elected lay people
[link to National Church, “Terms”]