The Episcopal Church came into existence as an independent denomination after the American Revolution. Prior to that time it was a part of the Church of England. Today it has approximately two million members in the United States, Mexico, and Central America, all of which are under the jurisdiction of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
The Episcopal Church of the U.S.A is the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion -- a "daughter" of the Church of England. The legal name is The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America. In 2006 the name was changed from The Episcopal Church of the USA (ECUSA) to The Episcopal Church (TEC).

The Anglican Communion is the body of churches in all parts of the world that are in communion with the Church of England . The communion is composed of regional churches, provinces, and separate dioceses bound together by mutual loyalty as expressed in the Lambeth Conference of 1930. There are 44 churches in the Anglican Communion, including the Episcopal Church in the United States.

We believe there is One God who creates all things, redeems us from sin and death and renews us as the Children of God. As Episcopalians we promise to follow Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. We believe the mission of our church is restoration of all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.
Episcopalians believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and contain all things necessary to salvation.

The Book of Common Prayer, or the Prayer Book, is what Episcopalians use in worship along with the Holy Bible. Various editions of the Book of Common Prayer have been used by churches of the Anglican Communion since the middle 1500s. It contains all of the various liturgies one might see used, including The Holy Eucharist, forms for daily prayers, baptisms, weddings, funerals, ordinations, and the dedication of buildings. It also has directions for conducting services and the Book of Psalms.

Rite I is a portion of the Book of Common Prayer which contains worship services using the traditional worship language of the Church as used from the 1600's until 1976. The bottom line of Rite I views God as “judge.” Rite II is the portion containing worship services which use more modern language and place importance on a different theological emphasis; views God as “creator”.

Episcopalians take part in certain regular acts of worship called sacraments, in which we realize the mystery of Christ’s presence and His divine love. The two principal sacraments for Episcopalians are Baptism and The Holy Eucharist (The Last Supper). The other five sacraments in which we share are Confirmation (the mature affirmation of one’s faith), Ordination to Holy Orders, Marriage, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick. Sacraments are often called “outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace.” This reflects the Christian understanding that through the sacraments, which are freely given to us by God, our sins are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts stirred and our wills strengthened. Each of these sacraments is experienced through the enactment of a particular liturgy found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.

Eucharist literally means a "good gift" or "thanksgiving." The current usage in the Episcopal Church refers to the entire Communion service. According to the Book of Common Prayer the Holy Eucharist, is the principal act of Christian worship on the Lord’s Day and other major Feasts.

From a combination of two Greek words, “laos” (people) and “ergon” (work). Literally the word means "the work of the people," and is generally used to refer to the entire, complete worship service.

"Episcopos" is the Greek word for bishop. Thus "Episcopal" means "governed by bishops." The Episcopal Church maintains the three-fold order of ministry as handed down by the Apostles -- deacons, priests and bishops -- in direct descent, via the laying on of hands, from the original Apostles.

The Episcopal Shield is the official logo of The Episcopal Church. It's red, white and blue design incorporates the colors of both the United States and England. The red cross of St. George on a white field is symbolic of the Church of England. The blue field in the upper left corner features a Cross of St. Andrew in recognition of the fact that the first American bishop was consecrated in Scotland. This cross is made up of nine small crosslets representing the nine dioceses that met in Philadelphia in 1789 to form the Protestant Episcopal Church of the U.S.A.

All Christians, baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, regardless of denomination, may take communion in the Episcopal Church.

If you were a member at another Episcopal church, contact the Cathedral office about transferring your letter of membership to the Cathedral.
If you were a member of another denomination, see the Dean for either personal instruction or Confirmation classes.

Contact the Cathedral office for an appointment with the Dean.

Contact the Cathedral office for an appointment with the Dean.

No. Once you have been baptized with water, in the name of the Trinity, you have been received into the family of Christ (not into a particular denomination) and that act need not be repeated.

Contact the Cathedral office either by phone or e-mail.

Contact the Cathedral office and one will be mailed to you.

There is a sign up sheet available in the Café or contact the Cathedral office. The cost of the altar flowers is $45.00.

9:30 a.m. Sunday alternating monthly between Rite I and Rite II
12:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday (Holy Eucharist, Rite II)

Nursery care is provided for children from birth to age five for the 9:30 a.m. service every Sunday. For safety considerations, parents are required to sign in their children and only the parent or a designated person may pick up the child. The nursery is located at the west end of the complex on the first floor of the Education wing.

Yes. Art supplies are provided at each entrance for the children.

Yes. There are Youth, Confirmation class, and Adult Christian Education classes on Sundays (Sept – May) from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The Cathedral is located at 815 South Second Street (corner of 2nd and Lawrence) two blocks south of the State Capitol.

Yes. The handicapped parking and accessible entrance are on the south side of the complex. There is a ramp to the communion rail on the north side of the sanctuary. The elevator to the second floor is located in the atrium.

Parking is available behind the Cathedral complex. There are entrances on both Second and Lawrence Streets.

Call the Cathedral office during office hours (Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.)

Check out our Resources page or call the Cathedral office during office hours (Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.).