The Episcopal Church, USA is the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which traces its origin and practices to the Church of England.  It is foremost part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church which was founded by Christ.  Our theology and essential teachings are based on the Holy Scriptures and the teaching of the Apostles ordained by Christ.

The Anglican Communion is the third-largest body of Christians in the world (following the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox), with approximately 70 million members.  The majority live in Africa, where church growth is rapid.

The first Anglican worship we know of in North America was celebrated Hudson’s Bay in 1578.  Anglicanism spread throughout the colonies during the following centuries. After the American Revolution, the Church of England in the United States declared itself independent of English control, and was re-established as the Episcopal Church.  “Episcopal” means we are a church with bishops (from the Greek word episcopos, overseer).  Bishops along with priests and deacons are ancient ordained orders preserved by the Anglican Communion.