John H. Westerhoff

This is a brief introduction to the Episcopal Church in the United States. Included are its history and descent from the Church of England, the Anglican Scottish church, the Catholic Church, and back to the apostles of Jesus. The authors stress its role as a middle road (via media) between the Catholic and Protestant Churches and it authority of a “three-legged stool” of tradition, scripture, and reason, and its unifying principal in common prayer rather than in doctrine. It describes its sacraments and describes its members as characterized as having open minds, the ability to tolerate ambiguity, and appreciating both beauty and nature. It goes on to outline the local and national organization of the denomination and its international relations with other Anglican churches.… (meer)