Q: The what church? Is that Greek or something?

A: It is, actually. It means “bishop”. Trivial Pursuit, here you come!

But seriously, we’re another type of Christian Church. Like Lutheran, Methodist or Roman Catholic. We read the Bible, worship God in Christ, pray, sing and eat together. There’s quite a lot of eating, actually.

Q: Huh. Ok. So, how are you different?

A: Well, the major ways are rooted in history, which would take a long time to explain. But another way is that we try very hard to take seriously the idea that God became human in the person of Jesus to redeem us, to aim us back towards God. We find this idea very powerful, because it means that everything in creation: (trees, rocks, anteaters, and us) now has been shown to be precious to God. Y’know, since God showed up in person.

On a practical level, this means that we try really hard to welcome everyone, since Jesus came for everyone, and not everyone-minus-“insert specific group here.” We do not exclude, or preach against, any race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Admittedly, welcoming the intolerant gets a bit dicey. 

Q: Are you going to thump me with a Bible?

A: Ha! No. You and your amusing bold-faced ideas! We do not thump on the Bible, but the prayer book is another story. We will probably feed you though. And ask you about your major a lot. 

Q: If I have any more questions, where can I go?

A: Well, congrats, because you already found our website, and the Episcopal Church’s website is here: (www.episcopalchurch.org). Our diocesan website for Arizona is here (www.azdiocese.org) If I were you, that’s where I’d start.