Frequently Asked Questions

Just email us (contact@standrewsepiscopal.org) and we'll see if we can find an answer for you (or at least give you an idea of where you might begin looking for an answer).  And if you have a question that you think needs to be added to the Episcopal FAQ page, please let us know!

The Episcopal Church of the U.S.A (ECUSA) is the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion -- a "daughter" of the Church of England. 

There have been Anglicans in what was to become the United States since the establishment of the first English colony at Jamestown. Following the American Revolution, some reorganization was necessary for those Anglicans who chose to remain in the new country, as the Church of England is a state church which recognizes the monarch as her secular head. Thus the "Protestant" Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. was born (the word "Protestant has since been dropped from the official title). There were some early struggles, for example when bishops of the Church of England were reluctant to consecrate new American bishops who could not, of course, recognize the reigning monarch as the head of the church. This and other matters were resolved however, and today the Episcopal Church is now "in communion" with the Church of England and with other Anglican churches throughout the world. 

"Episcopos" is the Greek word for "bishop." Thus "Episcopal" means "governed by bishops." The Episcopal Church maintains the three-fold order of ministry as handed down by the Apostles -- deacons, priests and bishops -- in direct descent, via the laying on of hands, from the original Apostles. By the way, "Episcopal" is an adjective: "I belong to the Episcopal Church." The noun is "Episcopalian": "I am an Episcopalian." 

Both. Neither. Either. Anglicanism is often referred to as a "bridge tradition." When the Church of England separated itself from Rome, it did not consider itself to be a "Protestant" tradition. Rather, it saw itself returning to the original organization of the church, with local/national congregations organized under the rule of their own bishops. As the church evolved in England, certain elements of the Reformation (such as worship in the vernacular, an emphasis on Scriptural authority, and a broader view of what happens during the consecration of the Eucharist) became a part of its tradition. In an attempt to reconcile the views of the Reformers with the tradition of the Catholic Church, the Anglican tradition became a home for both. Thus, while you will find very traditional ("high church" or "Anglo-Catholic") parishes and very reformed ("low church" or Evangelical) parishes, most probably fall in the middle of the two extremes. 

This popular misconception has an element of truth, but is far from the whole story. While Henry VIII's desire for an annullment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon was, in a manner of speaking, the straw that broke the camel's back (and, for what it's worth, Henry's request wasn't out of line with church laws of his day...but that's another story), the trend toward separation from Rome had been building for over two centuries in England, which had never fully embraced the rule of the papacy. 

No, he's not. We don't have a pope.  The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the Church of England, and is considered "first among equals" by the rest of the Anglican Communion. He is highly respected, but he does not have the same authority over the churches of the Anglican Communion that the Pope has over the Roman Catholic Church.

?  In an established, self-sustaining congregation, or "parish", day-to-day matters are handled by a panel of elected lay people called a "vestry, usually numbering twelve lay people. The head priest, or "rector", handles spiritual and worship-related matters, and usually serves in an advisory capacity on church committees. Depending on the size of the congregation, the rector may have one or several ordained assistants. Often there will be other lay or ordained people in charge of specific areas, such as a parish administrator, a music director, and a youth minister, to name a few.  Churches that are not self-sustaining are called "missions."  Often they are newly formed congregations, or congregations with a very small membership, administered by the bishop's office, and often largely funded by the diocese. All individual congregations are part of a larger geographical area called a "diocese," which is lead by a bishop. St. Andrews is in the Diocese of San Diego. Some churches in the Anglican Communion also have larger administrative districts called "archdioceses," which are comprised of several dioceses and are administered by "archbishops."  ECUSA does not have archdioceses or archbishops. Instead we have a "Presiding Bishop," who is elected to serve a nine-year term.

The Book of Common Prayer, or “BCP”, as we often call it, has been called the “glue” which binds together the Anglican Communion and its members. The first Book of Common Prayer was produced by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1549, and revised by him in 1552 (further revisions occurred in 1559 and 1662; the latter revision is still used as the official Prayer Book of the Church of England, and is considered a literary classic among scholars). The book was intended to facilitate worship in English rather than Latin and to bring the rites of the church together into one book for use by both clergy and laypersons. Each national church in the Anglican Communion has its own adaptation of the BCP. The American version, used by most churches in ECUSA, was last revised in 1979 (some Episcopal churches prefer to use the 1928 version).  In the BCP, you will find the orders of service for the various rites of the church, the Daily Office, prayers for use within the context of the liturgy and prayers for use in home devotions, the Lectionary (i.e., the Scriptural readings to be used in corporate worship, organized so as to carry the congregation through the entire Bible in a three-year period), the Psalter (Psalms), the Calendar of the Church Year, The Outline of the Faith (Catechism) and various historical documents. Every Episcopal home should have one, as it is a great resource for personal and family devotions.

If you are familiar with Roman Catholic or Lutheran services, you will find Episcopal services remarkably similar. The central rite is the Service of Holy Eucharist (aka "Communion," or "The Lord's Supper"), analogous to the Roman Catholic Mass (and referred to as "Mass" by some Episcopalians).  The first part of the liturgy ("The Liturgy of the Word") consists of prayers, scripture readings and a sermon or homily. This is followed an Affirmation of Faith (The Nicene Creed), the Prayers of the People, Confession of Sin, Absolution, and the Exchange of Peace. The second part of the liturgy ("The Liturgy of the Table or Eucharist") begins with the offerings of the congregation, and then proceeds with the Eucharistic Prayer, Consecration of the Elements (bread and wine), Communion, the Post-Communion Prayer, Blessing and Dismissal. Two Eucharistic Rites are commonly used by the Episcopal Church: Rite II, with its more contemporary language, is used most of the year by many churches, with the more traditional and formal Rite I being used during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent. At St. Andrews, we use Rite I year-round at the 8:00 a.m. service on Sunday morning, which also has no music. 

Absolutely not! An offering is taken mid-way through the service, but donations are optional. However, once a person joins the church, they will be asked to prayerfully consider making a pledge of financial support. The donations we receive from pledges, Sunday offerings, and regular (non-pledge) contributions, comprise nearly 90% of our yearly budget. The amount of a pledge is between you and God, however if you need guidance Fr. Wes will be happy to discuss it with you.

No worries there, as the days of those “Sunday go to meeting” clothes are long gone. Today, the only men in suits are likely to be the Ushers, and if you do see a woman in a hat, it’s likely to have a bill and a team logo. Besides, St. Andrew’s is in a SoCal beach community, so you are likely to see more flip-flops, T-shirts, and shorts than slacks, shoes, and dresses year-round. Just be comfortable. God cares more about your presence than your attire.

Most Episcopalians seem to do what most everyone else is doing, and that’s probably not such a bad thing. There are “rubrics” (words in italics) in the prayer book that provide guidance. About the only “mandatory” kneeling point in the service is during the Confession – although not everyone kneels even then – some because they have no kneelers and others because they are physically unable. Just be comfortable, for as it is with attire, I don’t think God really cares about our posture, so long as we are respectful and remember where we are.

Other public rites of the church include Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer and Evensong or Evening Prayer (held at various times in various churches, Baptism (contact the office in order to schedule a Baptism), Confirmation/Reception (held during the main Sunday service during the Bishop's annual visitation) and Ordinations (these are scheduled by the bishop's office, and held at various churches throughout the diocese). 

The best way to learn more about our worship practices is to look through a copy of The Book of Common Prayer.  These can typically be found in the pews of every Episcopal Church, and no one is likely to mind if you drop by to peruse a copy. We have several gently used copies which we are happy to loan out. Copies can also often be found in libraries, bookstores, and of course online (www.bcponline.org) 

All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, may take communion in the Episcopal Church. We have gluten-free wafers for those who require them. Just inform one of the clergy.  If you still have questions about this, email or call our rector, Fr. Wes Hills (frwes08@gmail.com, (760) 522-0544.

Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation ("confession"), Ordination and Unction (anointing) of the Sick. Of these, Baptism and the Eucharist are considered "necessary" sacraments...the others are "conditional" sacraments (i.e., they are not required of all persons, but apply in certain situations). "Sacraments" are defined as "Outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace."

Yes. We believe that the grace conferred by the Sacrament of Baptism is not and should not be reserved only for "informed believers." 

A baptized person, including a child, may take communion at any age. We do not believe that a certain "understanding" of the proceedings is necessary for the Sacrament to be valid. The decision of when to take communion is left up to the child and his/her parents. Again, further questions should be directed to our clergy. 

Yes. The Episcopal Church has ordained women to the Priesthood and the Diaconate since 1976, and the first woman Bishop, The Rt. Reverend Barbara Harris, was consecrated in 1989.

If you are coming from a church in the Apostolic Succession (i.e., Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox), and have already been confirmed, you would be "received" by the bishop of your diocese, in a ceremony that normally takes place during the bishop's visit to your church. If you are coming from a different tradition, confirmation would be appropriate. Most churches hold "inquirer's courses" for people interested in reception or confirmation prior to the bishop's visitation. You are urged to speak to a clergy staff person if you are interested in either Confirmation or Reception. Youth Confirmation classes are open to seventh grade students, and a new class begins each year. Contact the office for information

No. Once you have been baptized with water, in the name of the Trinity, you have been received by adoption into the family of Christ (not into a particular denomination) and that Sacrament is never knowingly repeated.  This is true even if you were a tiny baby when you were baptized. If you wish to make a public, adult, affirmation of faith, you may choose to be confirmed, if appropriate (see above).  You also always have the option of publicly reaffirming your baptismal vows, even after confirmation, if you so choose...but this is a highly personal matter, and not in any way required.

This symbol, which you will see at virtually every Episcopal Church and website, is the official "logo" of ECUSA, and depicts our history.  It is red, white and blue...the colors of both the U.S. and England. The red Cross of St. George on a white field is symbolic of the Church of England. The blue field in the upper left corner is the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. It features a Cross of St. Andrew, in recognition of the fact that the first American bishop was consecrated in Scotland.  This cross is made up of nine crosslets, which represent the nine dioceses that met in Philadelphia in 1789 to form the Protestant Episcopal Church of the U.S.A.