General Notes
Both “Protestant Episcopal Church” and “Episcopal Church” refer to the same
Church. Individual congregations have historically followed one of three
distinct orientations. First, there were “high church” groups with highly
developed liturgical practices. Second, there were “low church” evangelicals.
Third, there were “broad church” groups that followed a middle road. In
addition to the liturgy there was a difference in the understanding of the
presence of Christ in the Eucharist. High church groups stressed the Real
Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and low church groups followed the Puritan
tradition, opposing ceremony and stressing the reading and preaching of
Scripture. In recent times the differences between the different groups have
softened and one source states that they are no longer relevant.
Authority is sought in Scripture, tradition, and the use of reason. The
Episcopal Church describes itself as being “inclusive” but actual practices
vary according to region, diocese, and personal preferences.
Based on a structure of dioceses, the Episcopal Church is one of the
autonomous Churches in communion with the Church of England (the “Anglican
Communion”) and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Specific Religious Practices
The Church celebrates seven Sacraments, with special focus on Baptism and the Eucharist. The other sacraments are Confirmation, Unction (anointing of the sick), Marriage, Orders, and Reconciliation.
All Trinitarian Baptism is considered valid, and all baptized persons are
invited to receive Communion, whether members of the Church or not. Reception
of consecrated wine is optional. Unbaptized persons are invited to receive a
blessing at the time of Communion.
The Church follows a liturgical year with special attention given to Advent,
Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.
There is an anointing of the sick (Unction) by the priest and it is often
requested by a hospitalized patient. Communion is also often requested, and the
patient receives both bread and wine.
At the time of death there are prayers for the person including a litany and
commendation as well as prayers for the family.
Understanding of Healing
Healing by prayer and faith as well as by medical treatment is still present
in the Church and available by sacrament and laying on of hands. A strong
movement in the Episcopal Church in recent years has included charismatic
healing by faith.
Reproductive Issues
Genetic counseling, birth control, and sterility testing are supported.
Artificial insemination must use the husband as the donor.
Abortion
Abortion on demand is opposed. Therapeutic abortion is approved.
End of Life Issues/Terminal Care
The patient is seen as having a right not to have life prolonged. The Church
does not support suicide or euthanasia, but would support a decision of a
person to die when life is an excessive burden. The refusal of continued
treatment in such a situation would be supported. The concept of brain death is
supported.
There is significant support in at least some Episcopal Dioceses for assisted suicide in some extreme cases. Locally,
however, a representative of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan did sign the
Interfaith Letter on Physician-Assisted Suicide.
Transplantation/Organ Donation
Donation and transplantation is encouraged. Brain death criteria are
supported.
Autopsies/Care of the Body
Autopsy is recommended. The same burial service is used for all persons. A
special service is available for children, and full term infants or fetuses may
be buried.
Membership
1995 membership was 2,504,682
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Comments
received:
[notes on your
notes: Reproductive Issues] There is no doctrine or discipline which
would preclude using someone other than the husband as the donor in artificial
insemination. I would be clueless as to a pastoral reason [other than
fraud or non-consent of a spouse] why it would be a concern. The infants
of single moms frequently have donated genetic material; same sex couples
present[ing a child] for baptism obviously have [used donated genetic
material]…
[notes on your notes: Abortion] There is no doctrine or discipline prohibiting "abortion on demand." There is a General Convention resolution which opposes the use of abortion solely as a means of birth control for convenience, but this does not carry the same weight as a prohibition... judgment--such as it is--is left to prayerful discernment. Many Episcopal clergy sit on the boards or are otherwise involved with Planned Parenthood. I have accompanied--in clericals--individuals and couples to the clinic for a d&c...
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For additional information: The Episcopal Church in the USA
