Diocese of South Dakota (Episcopal)

The Episcopal Church has a long history that dates back hundreds of years to the Church of England.  With roots in the Catholic Church (the Anglican Communion separated at the time of Henry the VIII's reign), the Episcopal Church is the American branch of the Anglican Communion.  When the Church of England spread throughout the U.S., sister churches sprang up.  The Episcopal Church became an independent denomination after the American Revolution.  In 2002, there were approximately three and one half million members in the U.S.

Abortion: The Episcopal Church supports a woman's right to choose.

Baptism: Baptism is one of two major sacraments.

Birth Control: The Church supports family planning.

Capital Punishment: At the 1991 General Convention, the Episcopal Church stated its opposition to capital punishment.

Christ's Return: Christ will come again in glory to judge the quick and the dead. ("The Nicene Creed," 1997.  Previously available from Web site @ www.ai.mit/edu/people/mib/anglican/intro/ir-nicene-creed.html.)

Communion: Communion is the second of two major sacraments.

Creation vs.  Evolution: The Episcopal Church accepts the Nicene Creed,
which states that God created all things. ("Nicene Creed.") There are differences of opinion on how exactly this was done.  The Episcopal Church rejects the rigid dogmatism of the creationist movement.

Deity of Jesus: Episcopalians are Trinitarian.

Distinguishing Beliefs/Practices: The Episcopal Church grants great latitude in interpretation of doctrinal issues, emphasizes liturgy, and observes the traditional Christian calendar. ("What is the Episcopal Church?," 1997.  Previously available from Web site @ www.ai.mit.edu/people/mib/anglican/anglican.html.)

Divorce and Remarriage: Divorce is not an automatic impediment to ordination.

Heaven/Hell: By heaven, the church means eternal life in enjoyment of God; by hell, it means eternal death in rejection of God.

Homosexuality: The Episcopal Church does not support the ordination of practicing homosexuals.  However, it does support access to the ordination process by all qualified persons.

Inspiration of Scripture: The Episcopal Church believes the Bible is divinely inspired.

Restrictions: None.

Security of Salvation: As Christians, nothing, not even death, can separate a believer from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.

Speaking in Tongues and Other Gifts of the Spirit: Although the practice is not encouraged, the are some members who speak in tongues.

Trinity: Episcopalians are Trinitarian.

Women in Ministry: The Episcopal church in America has ordained women for more than two decades.
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For more information contact:
Episcopal Church Center
815 2nd Ave.
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (800) 334-7626  or (212) 867-8400
Web site: www.ecusa.anglican.org 

Church information from The 60-Second Guide to Denominations: Understanding Protestant Churches of North America (2003) by Shelly Steig, Published by World Bible Publishers, Inc.  Iowa Falls, Iowa

 See also What Makes us Anglican?
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