Differences in Major Religions
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      3. Differences in Major Religions

      Episcopalian/Anglican

      Major differences:

      1. Celibacy is not required of clergy
      2. Permit the ordination of women*
      3. Eucharist is open to all baptized Christians and is offered in both bread and wine
      4. Democratic structure of the church
      5. Prayers to the saints is not common, but they are recognized and commemorated
      6. The diocese is the primary unit of governance

      They believe in:

      1. Scripture as the revealed Word of God
      2. The historical creeds of the Church (the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed) as sufficient statements of Christian belief
      3. The celebration of the seven sacraments with special emphasis on Baptism and Eucharist
      4. The use of Scripture, Church tradition, and reason in matters of belief and practice
      5. The apostolic ministry of bishops, priests and deacons in the life of teaching and service in the Church
      6. The "Branch Theory": an understanding that the Church of Christ is present in different "branches" such as the Roman, the Orthodox, the Anglican, all of whom are considered "Catholic"
      7. The Trinity....three persons in one God
      8. That Jesus Christ is fully human, and fully divine
      9. Salvation by faith not good works

      There are different branches of Episcopalians with varying understandings of Eucharistic theology.

      Catechesis required:

      1. Ecclesiology including:
        1. justification by faith and good works
        2. church as Body of Christ
        3. church as community
        4. church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic
        5. hierarchical structure of the universal Church and authority in the Church
        6. infallibility
        7. Communion of Saints, Mary and the Saints
      2. Eucharistic theology - our understanding of:
        1. Transubstantiation
        2. Real Presence
        3. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
        4. Eucharist as the sacrament of unity
      3. Holy Orders and Marriage

      Also necessary for them to become part of the community and to participate with the community in its missionary activities.

      *Some Episcopalians (Anglicans) do not recognize women bishops. The recent election of a woman as presiding bishop in the Episcopal Church has caused much friction. Many Episcopalians interested in becoming Catholic may be coming from a more conservative or traditional mindset.