What are the differences between the Roman Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church?
Although the Episcopal Church is closest in form and worship to the Roman Catholic Church than any of the churches that emerged from the Protestant Reformation, there are still many significant differences. Like the Roman Catholic Church, we have bishops, priests and deacons. We have seven sacraments (Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, Reconciliation and Unction – anointing of the sick with oil). Unlike the Roman Catholic Church we are governed democratically at every level and do not have a Pope or any equivalent of the Pope. While some of our clergy may feel called to a life of celibacy, clergy in the Episcopal Church are allowed to marry. Many have families. Like our wider culture, the Episcopal Church has been struggling with questions of human sexuality for many years. As a result of our struggle, openly gay and lesbian clergy are accepted in many, though not all, parts of the Episcopal Church. In the Episcopal Church we also have an openly gay bisho
