The Episcopal Church is not Biblical
The Episcopal Church has been called the “middle way” between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. (See Roger E. Olson, Handbook of Denominations). Is this the way that you think of this modern denomination? Does it rightly portray Catholicism or Protestantism?
Before all of the research that I did for this article, I had no idea that this church was as unbiblical and heretical as it is. Now, after many hours of research and study and reading, I’ve come to the conclusion that indeed this denomination is vastly more wicked than I had imagined. I refer to such outright and blatant sins as sodomy, transvestism, abortion, feminism, and much, much more. We hope that this article will give much evidence of this.
As you know, many people are born into a certain church or denomination then they continue in it until some years later they succumb to death. We all know that this is not the way it should be but this is reality. Should you and I just assume that we are in the right church, the one that pleases God, or should we examine the Biblical evidence itself to determine what God thinks? After all, if God has created us, if Christ died for us, and if God has placed his saving truth in the Bible, shouldn’t we be utterly concerned with what He has revealed in this sacred book? Life is so exceedingly brief, thus it is of utmost concern that we determine God’s truth during our fleeting stay on earth. But, for now, how should we view the Episcopal Church in America?
We all know the answer to this. When someone asks us what God says about a religious issue, we should be able to return the question: “What does the Scripture say?” (Romans 4:3). Thus we approach this very crucial subject with the question about what God says. We must state categorically, The Episcopal Church is Not Biblical. But you may then ask, Why? Why is this denomination not Biblical? What makes us respond in this way in this pluralistic world where it seems that nearly everything is set forth as acceptable and even laudable?
We probably all know something about modern church history and the beginnings of the Anglican Church. Henry VIII rejected papal supremacy in the 1530s at the time of the Protestant Reformation. Further, he wanted to divorce and remarry but the Roman Catholic Church did not permit this. Thus, the King took action into his own hands and declared himself to be the “head” of the British church. This is the account of the beginnings of the Anglican Church or the “Church of England.” According the Anglican thinking, their belief in “apostolic succession” goes back to the fourth century. This fellowship purports to endorse the “Book of Common Prayer” of the sixteenth century, along with the “Articles” of faith. (See Handbook of Denominations by Roger E. Olson.)
In the 1600s, the Puritans were able to control the Anglican Church. Led by Richard Hooker, the church was particularly able to have control of its worship and theology. Today, Anglicans (Episcopalians) say that their denomination is based on the Bible, on tradition, and on reason. However, Hooker promoted “apostolic succession” against the Puritans who rejected this unbiblical doctrine. This means that the “bishops” in the Anglican Church (and Episcopal Churches in America) promote the doctrine of “apostolic succession.” (We must say that this was succession but it wasn’t apostolic at all. The Episcopal Church began along the western coast of North America as well as the south-eastern colonies. In time, it came to dominate the eastern and north-eastern colonies as well, with George Washington the most influential member.
At this time, many of the clergy were loyal to the British during the Revolutionary War, but some remained with the colonies of America. In 1783 the denomination was renamed “The Protestant Episcopal Church.” Anglicanism then spread to all parts of the British empire. Because of great missionary endeavors, eventually (today) there were millions of members. See: Wikipedia and anglicancommunion.org. Do you happen to be one of these members yourself?
The “head” of this denomination is the “Archbishop of Canterbury,” the overseer over the worldwide communion of Anglicans. The “Book of Common Prayer” is the “glue” that holds all of these millions of people together—even though there are great differences between the churches and members. With their belief in “apostolic succession,” the church has a “sacramental character” in regard to such practices as infant “baptism,” the Eucharist, confirmation, penance, orders, matrimony, and anointing.” Regarding the nature of the church itself, the “high church” is more Catholic whereas the “low church” has a Protestant character.
But what about the Episcopal Church? In America, the English “Anglican” Church is known as the Episcopal Church or the Episcopalian Church. And how many members does it have? In 2019 there were 1,798,042 “baptized members” in America. Of course, this would include infants and young children also since this denomination believes in “infant” baptism and membership. Of this number, in 2015, some 1,637,945 were members in the United States. And altogether some three million people “self-identify” as mainline Episcopalians (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)#:~:text=In%202019%2C%20the%20Episcopal%20Church,self%2Didentify%20as%20mainline%20Episcopalians.). However, year by year, the numbers become fewer and fewer since more people are dropping out of this denomination or renouncing it. (This also would be true of the United Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and other liberal mainline denominations.)
If this decline were for Biblical reasons or for matters of truth, this would be one thing. But there are other reasons for this ongoing reduction. We thus find that the Episcopalian Church of America is losing members, but still the Anglican communion or family worldwide is fairly large—with some 85 million members (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church). See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglican_Communion) and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglicanism). However, regardless of the number of members, we must examine the beliefs, practices, and policies that make this denominational body acceptable to so many people.
Let’s discuss the splintering of this church, particularly in America. Even though there may be about two million members, we find many differences between these factions. In the 1960s, there was a drift toward “evangelical” theology but then, at this time, there was also a plunge toward a more liberal theology. By the time that we reach the twenty-first century, parts of the church have become so liberal that the church has further rejected Biblical authority. For instance, there is an open acceptance of sodomite (homosexual) priests and bishops. As an indication of the body’s liberal bent, in 2016, the “Anglican Communion” suspended the “Episcopal Church” in America. About this time, the more conservative Episcopal and Anglican churches placed themselves under the African bishops especially because of the sodomite crisis. Of course, we’ll see that homosexuality is not the only liberal concern. There are many other liberal aspects.
One book that I have lists seven different Episcopal and Anglican churches, but the largest body in the United States would be what is known as the “Episcopal Church” since 1967. As we stated, since 2012, there have been some two million members, found in 6,794 “parishes. In the Episcopal Church there are 35 “articles which correspond to Anglican’s 39 articles. These are guiding principles of the denomination. Also the new standard of “The Book of Common Prayer” was issued in 1979.
As we noticed earlier, notice that this church is called the “Episcopal Church” since it is led by Bishops. (This comes from episcopes, “overseer” in Greek.) These bishops give pastoral oversight and elect the ministers (priests or rectors). By the way, New York City is the location for the national headquarters. We might also mention that at the time of writing, there are 18 seminaries as well as other educational institutions.
It might be good to mention that in 1989 “Reverend Barbara Harris” was “ordained” as a Bishop—a hallmark since she was the first woman to be ordained. This was in keeping with the ongoing feminist ideology in the Episcopal Church. In 2003 we find the first openly sodomite bishop elected, while in 2009 six bishops proceeded to adopt a wedding ceremony for homosexual “couples.” Over the past decades, this denomination has significantly lost hundreds of parishes in the United States. Also, note that rightfully, the homosexual issue has been greatly criticized by the African bishops. (See Handbook of Denominations by Roger E. Olson.)
There are various reasons why we write as we do. We nearly all know at least one person who is an Episcopalian member. In my case, I knew a friend who some years ago was known as a personable, friendly, and even Biblically-literate young man. He graduated from high school and went to a rather conservative “Christian” college in another state. Soon, however, he transferred to yet another state, and began studies at a Episcopalian seminary. I then discovered that this young man had become a full-fledged Episcopalian “priest”—as well as an unrepentant homosexual. He sadly told me to never reach out to him again! I don’t know for sure, but I assume that he is now a priest in this denomination and, of course, is a practicing sodomite (homosexual).
Let’s return now to the Episcopalian Church and ask why some people choose to be members. If this joining were for Biblical reasons or for matters of truth, this would be one thing. But there are other reasons for this constant adding as well as widespread reduction in membership.
Now, just why do we affirm quite clearly that the Episcopal Church is not Biblical? Even if it is not Biblical, should this fact be a concern to us? Here are a few of the reasons why we would make this charge. Please go over them (the reasons) carefully.
- In many respects, large numbers of Episcopalians reject the inspiration, the authority, and the trustworthiness of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Thus, why should they accept what the Bible says if they think that it is not really given by God?
- Like so many others who insist on maintaining membership in the Episcopal Church (or other “mainline” churches), many just are concerned about maintaining their friendships, their traditions, or their style of worship (cf. John 12:42-43).
- Large numbers of Episcopalians reject the morality of God’s Word. For example, we must have only one spouse. Otherwise, generally this would be an adulterous relationship, and adultery will bring God’s judgment (Hebrews 13:4). Of course, this is only one of many different points we could list.
- A person must repent and believe in the gospel—however the Episcopal Church promotes infant “baptism” (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38-39; 8:12; 22:16; Romans 6:3-5). Notice that only a responsible, conscious and serious adult or grown child can be truly baptized—if it takes Scripture seriously..
- Along with this, the Episcopal Church rejects the idea that one must fully repent of his sins to be saved (cf. Luke 13:3,5; Acts 3:19; 20:21). (We observe that a baby simply cannot repent, and even if he or she could, the infant would have no need of repentance—cf. Matthew 18:3-4; 19:14-15.)
- Further, a baby cannot believe or have faith (contrary to Luther who strongly taught infant faith!). Obviously, the Episcopal Church cannot promote baby repentance or infant faith—for there is no such thing in Scripture! See especially such passages as John 3:14-18, 36; 6:47; 8:12; Acts 5:14; 16:30-31. But the Bible teaches that one must trust or place faith in Jesus as his Savior and Lord—something that a baby surely cannot do (who can’t even speak!).
- The Episcopal Church promotes pouring and sprinkling instead of baptism (immersion). Obviously, these actions are not found in Scripture nor taught in God’s Word (John 3:23; Matthew 3:15-16; Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:11-12). But since this denomination rejects the trustworthiness of Scripture, it definitely is not something to heed.
- In contrast to the Episcopal Church, we believe that liturgical “worship” must be discarded, while the simplicity of New Testament worship must be accepted (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Corinthians 14:26). Sadly, “liturgy” promotes an attitude of “sameness” and dullness in worship (Mark 7:8-13; Matthew 15:3-9).
- The Episcopal Church promotes a “high church” view that is similar to Roman Catholicism and the Orthodox Churches. As an example, anyone who visits an Episcopal Church will immediately notice the religious vestments and paraphernalia that are quite evident. In other words, the robes that the priest and others in authority wear bear unmistakable earmarks of “high church” Episcopalianism. This is something that we come to expect in Catholicism, but we also find it in Episcopalianism! In other words, not only do Catholics, Orthodox priests, Methodist ministers, Presbyterian preachers, and others display their religiosity, but so do Episcopal priests.
Yet Jesus plainly declared, “Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets” (Mark 12:39-40; cf. Luke 20:45-47; Matthew 23:2-12). Our Lord’s remarks fit the Episcopal priests very nicely!
- We may learn something about our concepts by noticing our vocabulary. This is what we find in Episcopalianism. Jesus said that the religionists of His day loved “respectful greetings in the market places” (Matthew 23:7). But today, we find that religionists love to be greeted with high-sounding and honorable titles of a different nature.. Not only are these titles unbiblical but they reveal a wicked heart. We find such terms as priest, minister, pastor, and parson popular. We also hear clergymen (or clergywomen!) displaying non-Biblical titles such as rector, vicar, cure, padre, chaplain, reverend, and even “father”! When will we be content with simple terms such as brother and sister, saint, disciple, or believer?
- The Episcopal Church is not even named in Scripture, but as we noticed above the early believers wore Biblical names (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; Ephesians 1:1; Acts 9; etc.). The early believers were simply known as followers of Christ, the assembly of saints, or those belonging to “the way” (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 9:2; Acts 18:5-6; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:4, 22). These believers were content with the terminology that the Lord initiated.
- Instead of “bishops” (overseers) being over multiple congregations, each full-developed assembly had their own overseers, shepherds, or elders (Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:17, 28; Ephesians 4:11). These were terms of functionaries referring to the same position in the congregation—not three different positions.
- People could either not be married or, if married, they were to confine themselves to one In contrast, the Episcopal Church permits divorce and remarriage (Luke 16:18; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Matthew 19:3-12; Mark 10:11-12).
- The Episcopal Church permits sodomy or homosexuality—but Scripture clearly says that people who commit these sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. In other words, an unrepentant sodomite will spend eternity in hell unless he turns from his or her immoral wickedness (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 1:24-27). Especially it is evil for such a church to hire a sodomite “priest” to lead a congregation! Yet this is now done within the Episcopal Church!
- The Episcopal Church now permits “transgenderism” of one sex impersonating the other sex and acting out this perversion (Mark 10:3-12). (This can be related to the “twin” sin of homosexuality above.)
- Scripture says that killing a baby (through abortion) is a wicked murder of the baby that results in spiritual death—if this involves the mother, the father, the doctor, and the nurses (Romans 1:29, 32; 6:23). This denomination allows and embraces this cruel sin. Although abortion is frowned upon, it is totally accepted. (See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)#Era_of_change_(1958%E2%80%931970s).
- In the Episcopal Church, feminism is “alive and well”! But God says that a woman is to be subject to the man and is not to have authority over him (1 Timothy 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 14:33-37). The man, in turn, is to have leadership in the home and in the body of Christ (1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 2:3-5)—and in society (Romans 13:1-7). Obviously, a woman is not to be a “pastor” (shepherd) or “bishop” (overseer) in the assembly—and this sin must be totally renounced. Let’s remember that the woman is to be domestic (1 Timothy 5:14; Titus 2:3-5) and not be public or a leader, as in the Episcopal Church. How can this acceptance of women be justified by Scripture. It can’t.
However, we find this: In 2006, the General Convention elected Katharine Jefferts Schori as Presiding Bishop. She was the first woman to become a primate in the Anglican Communion. Schori’s election was controversial in the wider Anglican Communion because not all of the churches in this communion recognized the ordination of women.
At the time of the formation of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), three U.S. dioceses did not ordain women as priests or bishops: San Joaquin, Quincy, and Fort Worth. Following the departures of their conservative majorities, all three dioceses now ordain women! With the October 16, 2010, ordination of Margaret Lee, in the Peoria-based Diocese of Quincy, Illinois, women have been ordained as priests in all 110 dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States. (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)#Era_of_change_(1958%E2%80%931970s).
- We know that the Episcopal Church now “ordains” men and women as sodomites or homosexuals. This decision is detailed in the following report: “In 2009, the General Convention charged the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to develop theological and liturgical resources for same-sex blessings and report back to the General Convention in 2012. It also gave bishops an option to provide “generous pastoral support.” especially where civil authorities have legalized same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships.
On July 14, 2009, the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops voted that “any ordained ministry” is open to gay men and lesbians. The New York Times said the move was “likely to send shockwaves through the Anglican Communion”. This vote ended a moratorium on ordaining gay bishops passed in 2006 and passed in spite of Archbishop Rowan Williams’s personal call at the start of the convention that, “I hope and pray that there won’t be decisions in the coming days that will push us further apart.”
(Sodomite/Homosexual priest)
On July 10, 2012, the Episcopal Church approved an official liturgy for the blessing of same-sex relationships. This liturgy was not a marriage rite, but the blessing included an exchange of vows and the couple’s agreement to enter into a lifelong committed relationship.
On June 29, 2015, at the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, a resolution removing the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman was passed by the House of Bishops with 129 in favor, 26 against, and 5 abstaining. The current archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, expressed “deep concern” over the ruling. In 2016, Anglican leaders temporarily suspended the Episcopal Church from key positions in their global fellowship in response to the church changing its canons on marriage. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)#Era_of_change_(1958%E2%80%931970s).
Thus the Episcopal Church openly accepts sexually immoral people. We find this: Openly gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals are eligible to be ordained. The Episcopal Church has a nondiscrimination policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of “gender identity and expression”. (Ibid.).
- Not content with the immorality of homosexuality, or all other expressions of sexual immorality, we should also mention transgenderism. Remember that “transgenderism” is the situation in which a man impersonates a woman (or claims to be a woman), dresses like a woman, talks like a woman, and is addressed as a woman—even though he is a man! The same would be true regarding a woman impersonating a man!
Does the Episcopal Church accept this sin? We find the following:
“Transgender people have also joined the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Cameron Partridge, who ‘transitioned’ in 2001 and was ordained in 2005[67] was the first openly transgender priest to preach at the Washington National Cathedral.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)#Era_of_change_(1958%E2%80%931970s). We might also mention that a “transgender” person or may also be called a “transsexual” person or may be called a “trans” person. Let’s realize that even though the numbers may be low, this is a sin of monumental proportions and is only one aspect of sodomy or homosexuality!
- The Episcopal Church is a denomination (as is the whole Anglican body around the world). As such, we must reject this denominationalism in favor of true Christianity (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13). All of the sins relative to this church simply takes one sin upon another sin (Isaiah 30:1). The early body of Christ certainly was not denominational in any respect, yet this denomination is clearly a denomination or unbiblical religious organization.
- Along with unbiblical infant sprinkling, the Episcopal Church has confirmation—which is an unscriptural addition. Confirmation is supposedly needed to “confirm” the earlier infant baptism or infant salvation. Since baby “baptism” is not Biblical we must also say that confirmation is not Biblical either. It is a ceremony that is supposed to “confirm” God’s work on the baby of years earlier. Yet if infant salvation is neither Biblical nor warranted, neither is the unbiblical practice of confirmation!
- Sadly, we must observe that religious “tradition” is a serious problem and widespread part of Episcopalianism. Whether we call it by any other more acceptable name, it continues as part of the theology and the lifestyle of this denomination. God’s Word says that the “tradition of men” is to be rejected (Colossians 2:8; cf. Mark 7:8-13). Let’s receive the admonition: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17a). Can the Episcopal Church do all of their unbiblical and perverted doctrines “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?
- Not all Episcopalians (or Anglicans) are pleased with the changes toward liberalism that are growing in the Church. We refer not to the African bishops and priests but certain others in other countries. In their case, they would rather have “communion” with Roman Catholics. Thus, the Archbishop of Canterbury announced that Anglicans (or Episcopalians) may enter into a relationship with Catholicism while retaining certain Anglican practices. Note this: “On 4 November 2009, Pope Benedict XVI issued an apostolic constitution, Anglicanorum Coetibus, to allow groups of former Anglicans to enter into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church as members of personal ordinariates.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglicanism#Sacramental_doctrine_and_practice).
- The Episcopal Church boasts regarding a variety of beliefs and unbeliefs. This is what they say:
We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.
It seems that this denomination wants to be known as “inclusive” and “all-embracing” but this means that they accept all kinds of sins and wicked aberrations. According to the quotation above, they have “a legacy of inclusion.” They want to accept women even though God through the New Testament would limit the woman’s (and man’s) role and forbid that they have certain leadership roles. Yet contrary to God in the Scriptures, they say that women may serve “as bishops, priests, and deacons.”
Keep in mind that some men are also forbidden by Scripture from leadership roles—for example, those who are not married, those who are divorced, those who have remarried, etc. (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Yet they say that “laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church.” As mentioned above, most of these are forbidden from leadership in the assembly. Even “sexual identity or orientation” will not keep a person out of leadership in the Episcopal Church! In their effort to be “inclusive,” the Episcopal Church has become sinfully accepting of many non-biblical people!
- Although it can be defined in many ways, we must sadly acknowledge that this denomination is worldly in many ways. By this we mean that there is a wholesale violation of Jesus’ parting words of prayer: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:16; cf. vv. 14-19). Along with their fellow-denominationalists, these dear people are of the world and they think and act as being part of the world system.
- The Episcopal Church openly accepts evolution and clearly rejects Biblical creation. We read: “the stories of creation in Genesis ‘should not be understood as historical and scientific accounts of origins but as proclamations of basic theological truths about creation.’” The denomination accepts what has been called “Big Bang” cosmology. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acceptance_of_evolution_by_religious_groups#Anglicanism). Notice also: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/03/CC-CreationCatechism.pdf). Of course, Jesus, the apostles, and the Word of God in general present creation as the beginning of the universe and of humanity (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Matthew 19:4; see also Colossians 1:16-17; Genesis 1 and 2). This occurred thousands of years ago and not billions, as the false theory of evolution declares! This is a serious and huge sin on the part of Episcopalians.
- In contrast to many in the world-wide denominations of Anglicanism, the American Episcopalian Church is known for its ultra-liberal stance in many doctrinal and moral issues. This would be enough to cause Christians to renounce any involvement in this compromising fellowship! This “liberal” stance has been the case at least since the 1960s. We discover this: “Since the 1960s and 1970s, the church has pursued a decidedly more liberal course. It has opposed the death penalty and supported the civil rights movement and affirmative action. The church calls for the full legal equality of LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual] people. In 2015, the church’s 78th triennial General Convention passed resolutions allowing the blessing of same-sex marriages and approved two official liturgies to bless such unions.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States).
(Sodomite/Homosexual priest below)
Although there would be many, many other reasons why we must reject the Episcopal Church since it clearly violates the plain Word of God, this would be sufficient for us to not only see the ways that this denomination rejects God’s Word but also why we should turn from this human organization in every religious way. (It might also be good to remind ourselves that anyone who was once a child of God but falls into unrepentant sin must be excluded from fellowship (See 1 Corinthians 5:1-13.). (See especially Matthew 15:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 14:33-37). We must utterly reject the false teaching and false practices that are promulgated in this human denomination (1 Timothy 4:1-2).
Addendum
Some years ago, we wrote a lengthy book entitled, “Beware of False Teachers,” in which we cited and discussed the many issues that cause us to say that the Clergy in mainline denominations are “false teachers.” Although some of these statistics are dated, we can see that the Episcopal Church is very, very liberal in many different matters. And if they were liberal (actually ultra-liberal) some years ago, we can affirm that in many ways this denomination has remained very liberal and even worse. For example, notice these older statistics:
- Only 11 percent of Episcopalian ministers could affirm: “I believe in a literal or nearly literal interpretation of the Bible.”
- Only three (3) percent of these ministers could affirm: “Adam and Eve were individual historic persons.”
- Only five (5) percent of Episcopalian priests would affirm, “Scriptures are the inspired and inerrant Word of God not only in matters of faith but also in historical, geographical and other secular matters.
With these results, we are somewhat surprised that these doctrines were as readily accepted as they were:
- Some 56 percent of Episcopalian clergymen would say: “I believe that the virgin birth of Jesus was a biological miracle.”
- Seventy (70) percent of these clergymen would say, “I accept Jesus’ physical resurrection as an objective historical fact in the same sense that Lincoln’s physical death was a historical fact.”
- This statement could be accepted by 55 percent of Episcopal clergymen: “I believe in a divine judgment after death where some shall be rewarded and others punished.”
- Some 60 percent would affirm, “Hell does not refer to a special location after death, but to the experience of self-estrangement, guilt, and meaninglessness in this life.”
- Again, 60 percent would say: “I believe in the demonic as a personal power in the world.”
These older statistics of decades ago do show that there is a remnant of belief in the clergy of that era. What about the “clergy” and “laity” regarding the following statements of belief:
- Regarding the virgin birth, 39 percent of the laity would believe, “Jesus was born of a virgin,” while 40 percent of the ministers would be able to affirm, “I believe that the virgin birth was a biological miracle.”
- Now, regarding the devil, we find that 17 percent of the laity were willing to affirm, “The devil actually exists.” Then some 38 percent of the clergy were willing to say, “I believe in the demoniac as a personal power in the world.”
These statistics may be found in “Trans-action,” entitled “A Protestant Paradox—Divided They Merge.” See: Jeffrey Hadden, “Religion in Radical Transition,” and also “The Gathering Storm in the Churches.” See also “The New Denominationalism,” Religion and Society in Tension.
We encourage you to go to the Scriptures and always follow the Word of God. This will mean that you need to reject the traditions of man and accept the teaching of Scripture (cf. Mark 7:8-13). While you may need to turn from friends, family, and leaders who are part of the Episcopal Church, this is the only way that is pleasing to God. We must often reject man and be willing to find our fulfillment in the Lord (Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; see also John 12:37-43).
Although you may be a member of the Episcopal Church, we love you. We hope that this hasn’t grieved you but, instead, that you are grateful that we point out the massive amount of false teaching and aberrant practices in the Episcopal Church.
Will you turn from this compromising denomination to the will of the Lord? Granted, you may have family and friends in this church, but will you be willing to turn from them and their false doctrines and only accept the ways of the Lord? (See John 12:46-50).
You may find some security in the leadership of this false church, but you must be willing to reject this (along with the perversion of such things as sodomy, transgenderism, adultery, abortion, feminism, church liturgy, and churchianity). Will you come to God today? Will you turn from your sins (including moral sins, denominational sins, and any other sins) and turn to God through Christ? This is the only way that you and I can be saved, forgiven, and born anew!
See also: Handbook of Denominations by Roger E. Olson.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglicanism#Sacramental_doctrine_and_practice