Seven Popular Myths About the Episcopal Church

The past eighteen months have been tumultuous for the Episcopal Church. In the process, much of the reporting in both the popular press and church publications has had the net effect of making issues more confused rather than clearer. These "seven myths" are our attempt to clarify some of the more glaring misperceptions about governance in the Episcopal Church. For more information, please contact the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, 1-888-236-5959.

1. The General Convention has approved "gay marriage."

This statement is wrong on two counts. First, the last two General Conventions (2000 and 2003) specifically rejected proposals to create a rite to bless committed, monogamous relationships between persons of the same sex. General Convention 2003 frankly acknowledged that there are priests and bishops within the church who are conducting such rites. This was a statement of fact about some quarters of The Episcopal Church, and was not intended to be a judgment one way or another.

Secondly, The Episcopal Church has been clear in stating that the sacrament of Holy Matrimony is, and will remain, a lifelong union between a man and a woman. General Convention debates and resolutions through the years about whether the Church should encourage or demand celibacy, or whether the Church should find a way to support enduring faithfulness in homosexual relationships, have never used the term “marriage.”

The Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania has had a clear public policy since 2000 that there will be no blessing of same sex unions in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Liturgy in the Episcopal Church involves theology and accompanying rites that are developed by the whole Church and authorized by the whole Church. Such things are developed not locally, but nationally. There is no common mind in The Episcopal Church about theology and liturgy in this matter, so there are no rites.

2. The General Convention of the Episcopal Church exceeded its authority in approving the election of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire.

Again, not so. Decisions regarding the suitability of candidates for the priesthood or for election to bishop are left to the bishops, priests, and lay persons who ordain and elect them. There is nothing in the canons (laws) of the Episcopal Church that specifically prohibits the ordination or consecration of a homosexual. The Convention's approval of Gene Robinson's election as Bishop in no way exceeded its authority.

That said, in hindsight it is clear that the Convention underestimated the fragility of the interdependence among the global Provinces in the Anglican Communion. While the Episcopal Church certainly has the right to do what it did, the Windsor Report now being discussed through out the Anglican Communion indicates that the decision has jeopardized global relationships and sidetracked our common mission to be heralds of the Gospel and to love and serve our neighbors in this troubled world, especially the poor and alienated. We are currently being called into a process of global reconciliation which has a chance to be a significant witness to the world. The witness would be that, while differences are not glossed over, all should refrain from breaking relationship because of differences but should seek the deeper unity of the Body of Christ where every part of the body is valued and needed.

3. The Archbishop of Canterbury governs the Episcopal Church.

Wrong. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the Primate (chief spiritual leader) of the Church of England, the historical "mother church" of the other provinces in the Anglican Communion. His ministry holds great esteem and stature throughout the Anglican world (some 77 million people). However, the 38 Anglican Provinces throughout the world (of with The Episcopal Church USA is one) are all autonomous entities. They share a common theological and liturgical heritage, but each is governed independently and differently. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is the elected leader of the Episcopal Church in the USA and serves for a nine-year term. Ever since the 1960’s the Provinces of the Anglican Communion have committed to behaving with a sense of “mutual responsibility and interdependence” in our common life and witness. Anglicans always strive to honor autonomy but seek to live interdependently. In the Communion there are deeper and more enduring dimensions of faith an fellowship that bind us together than differences on some issues that threaten to divide us.

4. Bishops in the Episcopal Church are selected by the Presiding Bishop.

In most Provinces of The Anglican Communion (and as is the case in the Roman Catholic Church), bishops are appointed by other bishops, commissions or Archbishops. Ever since the American Revolution, Bishops in the Episcopal Church USA have been elected by clergy and laity of a local diocese. The responsibility for discerning and scrutinizing character, theology and suitability for Episcopal office rests with the local Diocese.

The structure and governance of the Episcopal Church were established at the Church's formation in 1789. They closely resemble the structure of the federal government, with an emphasis on representation, checks, and balances because many of the founders of our Nation were Anglicans who also crafted our church governance. When the church meets as a whole in General Convention there are two “Houses” or bicameral national governance. The House of Bishops is roughly equivalent to the Senate, and the House of Deputies (clergy and laity) is roughly equivalent to the House of Representatives. Decisions are made when there is advice, consent and agreement by both Houses.

5. All Anglicans must adhere to the same beliefs and worship in the same way.

Each Province in the Anglican Communion has its own version of The Book of Common Prayer, music, and liturgical style appropriate to the culture in which people are locally witnessing and worshipping. All of this global variety is rooted in the same theological traditions, recognizing the historic role of bishops, the importance of scripture, and the role of reasoned interpretation of scripture and theology.

While parishes in the Episcopal Church USA use the same Book of Common Prayer there can be variations in liturgical style and theological emphases. This is partly a function of the historical willingness of the Episcopal Church to welcome and embrace a variety of perspectives. This willingness is rooted in the deliberative, representative governing structure mentioned earlier.

6. Ordained clergy in the Episcopal Church may perform sacraments in any place they wish.

A Diocese is a defined geographical grouping of congregations under the oversight of a Bishop. Laity, Deacons, Priests and Bishops have responsibilities for the conduct of church affairs within their diocese. No Episcopal priest or bishop may conduct ministry or perform sacraments in another Diocese without the consent of the Bishop of that diocese. The Windsor Report, currently being discussed throughout the Anglican Communion, emphasizes this discipline.

7. Episcopal bishops appoint the clergy who serve in parishes in their diocese.

Just as clergy and lay people elect their Bishops, local Episcopal parishes hold the responsibility for discerning and calling the priest they wish to be their rector or pastor. The canons (laws) of the church require that the diocesan bishop approve that selection, but they also provide that the bishop's approval "shall not be unreasonably withheld."

December, 2004