The Evangelical Episcopal Communion is an affiliation of individuals, churches, and ministries that embrace our common Christian heritage as represented through the Evangelical, Charismatic and Sacramental understandings of the historic, universal church.
Archbishop
Dr. Russell McClanahan
Presiding Bishop & Patriarch
FAQ's
Q. How are the three elements or traditions within the Christian Church different?
From its inception, the Christian Church has affirmed that there is one God Who exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Over time, the Church became separated into three elements, also called streams or traditions. They include the Evangelical, the Charismatic and Sacramental. Simplistically put, they differ in that each one emphasizes a different Person of the Godhead.
The Evangelical element tends to center around Jesus Christ, the Son of God.. The focus is on grace, salvation, sound Biblical teaching and conforming one's life to the principles set forth in Scripture, as well as outreach and evangelism.
The Charismatic element focuses largely on the Holy Spirit of God, emphasizing a personal experience of God and empowerment for ministry. There is a strong conviction and expectation that God is actively working in the world today through healing, prophecy, spiritual gifts and miracles.
The Sacramental element reflects the fatherhood and authority of God. There is a deep reverence for church history, tradition, Apostolic Succession, and spiritual formation. The believer's mystical union with Christ through the tangible means of the sacraments and spiritual disciplines is central.
Q. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is a tangible means through which God imparts His grace. Some churches recognize two Gospel sacraments, baptism and Holy Communion (also called Eucharist or the Lord's Supper.) Sacramental churches recognize additional rites, or sacraments, which are: confirmation, ordination, marriage, absolution, and anointing of the sick.
Q. What is Apostolic Succession?
John 20:21-22 records that Jesus "breathed on" and commissioned His disciples as leaders of His church and guardians of its teachings and practices. The disciples in turn commissioned other disciples through the laying on of hands to act as their successors (called Bishops or Overseers.) This passing on of spiritual authority and responsibility from the original apostles in an unbroken line through generations is called Apostolic Succession. It exists to ensure that the church remains faithful to its apostolic roots and to provide accountability so that those who stray from them can be corrected.
Q. What are spiritual gifts?
A spiritual gift is a supernatural capability given to a person by God for the purpose of building up the faith of that person as well as that of the larger body of Christ. Instances of where the topic of spiritual gifts and their use is addressed can be found in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through14, Romans 12:3-8 and Ephesians 4:7-16.