Are There Any Episcopalians Out There?

Robdar

Okay, the Episcopalians are out to convert me. I have recently made a couple of new friends, both Episcopalian, and they are eager for me to attend one of their services. They have nothing but good things to say about their church and its members. However, I have investigated many churches and have never found that combination of truth and brotherly love that indicates that one of them is the right church for me.

I did tell my newest friend that I would try to go to church with him this weekend. I am sure that all the members will be on their best behavior and will love bomb me. I know that I will eventually learn more about the Episcopalians but I would like to find out some information about them before I invest too much time. I do not care for a repeat performance of what I experienced with the Russian Orthodox.

Is anybody on this DB an Episcopalian? If not, have you ever had any experience with the church or its members? Is there anything that I should be aware of before I go? What can I expect regarding their services? Do they have open communion? I do not wish to go in and upset anybody with my ignorance as to how things are done or what is expected of me.

Your input is appreciated.

Robyn

jgnat

Sorry, not me. I found a link, though http://www.episcopalian.org/eorg/Primer/whoweare.htm

They look fine to me, but keep in mind my experience with Christianity is far more positive than what most of you guys have faced. I am much more ready to trust, and not so hung up on what I consider minor points of theology. What I have seen around the board, I think you will find more pleasure in your spiritual journey if you take your time. You have no obligation towards these lovely people. If you need to step away for a while and think about things, that is entirely your right.

One of the big differences between Christendom's Churches and the FDS, is that you do not have to sign your life away to these people. Pick and choose. Come and go. Revel in your freedom. You will be accepted either way.

SpannerintheWorks

Robyn,

Try to find out if they agree with your present beliefs. Be very blunt: I believe this, do you? Etc, etc.

If you disagree with them, how do they react?

Spanner

Robdar

JG,

Thank you for your words of encouragement and your good common sense. Thank you for the link you provided, also.

Spanner,

Good idea. I'm gonna do it. It will be interesting to see how they respond. Thank you.

Robyn

GentlyFeral

Episcopalians are pretty healthy as churches go; you'll find both homophobes and gay folk there, for instance, sometimes in the same church :S For a lively discussion of church matters by a vibrant, kindly, honest personality, run a websearch on "Episcopal" and "Louie Crew".

Gently Feral

Mum

Hi, Robyn.

I am an Episcopalian, though I rarely attend church. My second husband went to an Episcopal college where he got a GREAT education. I, too, apparently have had a much more positive experience with Christianity than many others here. Before I became a JW, I was brought up in extremely fundamentalist churches.

What do I like about the Episcopal Church? Most Episcopalians are well-educated, open-minded and have no axes to grind or any need to feel that they are the "true" church -- most refreshing. If you feel you are "love bombed" at an Episcopal Church, you are most likely getting special attention because of their sincere interest in you. If they would like you to join their church, it must be because they like you and think YOU will benefit.

I used to attend an Episcopal Church in Tennessee. People wore whatever they liked, from casual to elegant, to artsy-bohemian. Our priest once remarked about the diversity in his flock by saying, "You can tell they don't all buy their clothes in the same place." If you decide to go to Inquirers' Classes, there will be no pressure to join; if you think you're not ready or this church is not for you, they will support and make every effort to understand you.

Just enjoy yourself and be yourself. You're safe among Episcopalians.

Regards,

SandraC

PurpleV

Love bombed? Maybe, maybe not. Of course each culture and church is different, but Episcopalians as a whole are reserved in nature. You usually don't see them let their hair down until they've had a few drinks (they do like to drink!) LOL

I love the Episcopal church. It teaches that 'religion' should be 1/3 Bible, 1/3 tradition, and 1/3 your own conscience and beliefs. You don't HAVE to do or believe anything. They just want you to show up whenever you can, give them some money, and they strongly encourage you (it's not like witless 'encouraging, trust me) to join some aspect of the community (join the altar guild, volunteer to deliver meals on Sunday, contribute to the newsletter, participate in the service, help decorate for the holidays, bake a pie for the annual homeless Thanksgiving dinner, stuff like that.)

My church has a community outreach, homeless shelter, food pantry, and lots of love. Of course, all churches beg for money, so be prepared for that, especially in this economy.

The service is very moving. You are definitely worshiping God and Jesus, not an organization. The music rules, too, especially if you've got one of those big ol' pipe organs.

And if you ever need anything? Get sick? Lose your job? Be prepared for a bombardment of food and stuff from the church ladies.

I agree with Sandra, you are definitely 'safe' with Episcopalians.

Robdar

GF,

Wow, you said healthy and church in the same sentence. Thanks for your imput.

Sandra and Purple,

Thanks for your responses. Your comments have me looking forward to Sunday.

they've had a few drinks (they do like to drink!) LOL

An Episcopalian friend of mine told me this joke: "Where there are 4 Episcopalians gathered together, there will be a fifth."

Robyn

Edited by - robdar on 22 November 2002 15:28:33

lv4fer

I was raised an Episcopalian. It is essentially Catholic w/o the Pope and Mary worship. Their Priest can marry. Al other beliefs are pretty much the same.

barry

The Queen is Episcopalian except when she goes accross the border to Scotland where she automaticly becomes Presbyterterian. The Episcopalians have 39 articals of faith which are basic christian beleifs. They are fairly flexible my wife and I got married in that church the priest was the only episcopalian there all the rest were SDA and catholic. Thje sda and the catholics have funny idears about marrying people but we still had to go to their classes for a whole day with other pre marriage people. Barry

Are There Any Episcopalians Out There?

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