Q&A
What Episcopalians Believe?
Q.
Do Episcopalians believe in the Bible?
A.
Yes we do! As Episcopalians we believe that the Holy Scriptures are the "word
of God because God inspired their human authors". We also believe that God "still
speaks to us through scripture". This is why we read three lessons and a psalm
out loud in worship services each Sunday. Some Episcopalians read the Bible
literally while others see it as something that requires new interpretation
with the passage of time. Either way, we take it very seriously, and we believe
that it has much to tell us about who God is, who we are, and how God wants
us to live.
Q.
Do Episcopalians believe in Jesus?
A.
Absolutely we do. We believe, like most other Christians, that Jesus is the clearest picture God has ever given us of who God is. God loves us so much that God came to be one of us, and when we turned against him, crucified, and killed him, God used it as a way to conquer death forever ... not just for himself, but for all of us.
Q.
Do Episcopalians believe in sin?
A.
Yes. We believe that sin is "seeking our own will instead of the will of God".
When we do this, we "distort our relationship with God, with other people, and
with all creation". We believe that we can come back to God, because God is
always waiting for us when our greed, busy-ness, and self-centeredness get us
off on the wrong track. Thank Goodness!
Q.
What makes Episcopalians different?
A.
There are two things that make us different from many other denominations. One is that we usually serve Communion every Sunday. If you're not used to that, it can seem strange at first, but we see it as a great way to worship and the perfect way to remember all that God has done for us.
Another thing is that during our worship services we use the Book of Common Prayer, 1979. In the Episcopal Church we believe the way we pray shapes the things we believe about God. We share the same prayers which unite us together as Episcopalians. We may have different beliefs about politics or social justice, but we all share a belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
How Episcopalians Worship
Q.
What's a typical service like?
A.
At most Episcopal Churches, a typical Sunday service has two parts: the Word
and Communion. The Word is where we hear Scripture readings, say our prayers,
and listen to the sermon. Communion is where we share the Bread and Wine as Jesus
commanded us to do before he died. Here at Canterbury, we like to try various
kinds of worship. Sometimes we have Communion, sometimes we pray Evening Prayer
and sing, sometimes we spend a good deal of our worship time discussing the week's
readings.
Q.
What kind of music do Episcopalians use?
A.
All kinds. Some Episcopal churches only use the hymnal with an organ and choir. At Canterbury we use guitars and other instruments played by Canterbury students, and we sing everything from hymns to praise songs.
Q.
Can anybody come?
A.
Oh yes. We believe that God does not restrict anyone from coming to God's table, so neither do we. All are allowed to come and worship, and all are allowed to take Communion with us. All are welcome!
Other Random Questions We Get
Q.
Why are your pastors called "priests"?
A.
It's an old tradition that goes way back to our earliest roots when we were once part of the Roman Catholic Church. Really, our priests aren't much different from most pastors. They lead church services; they pray for their congregations and the world; they teach and learn; they counsel; and they visit those in need. As the Episcopal Church, we believe that all of God’s people have a role in the church: the ministers of the church are lay persons (not ordained people), bishops, priests, and deacons.
Q.
What role do women play?
A.
We believe God created both male and female in God's image and therefore do not discriminate. Women can have any role in the Episcopal Church that men can, including deacons, priests, and bishops. In fact, the new presiding bishop of the entire Episcopal Church happens to be a woman. Our chaplain, Lauren is a woman as well!
Q.
What about homosexuality?
A.
The Episcopal Church is working hard right now to listen to God about homosexuality,
and we're doing that by praying and by listening to scripture, tradition, science,
and one another. It's hard work, but we feel that it's worth it. At Canterbury,
we believe that God does not exclude anyone from God's table, so all students,
faculty, staff, and guests.
If you have any other questions, feel free to email Lauren at canterbury@nwt.org
Special thanks to the Rev. Lonnie Lacy for
allowing us to use some of his answers to these questions. Lonnie is such a smart
priest. Thanks Lonnie!
