The Episcopal Church: From Anglican Roots to American Drift

The Episcopal Church: From Anglican Roots to American Drift

The Episcopal Church (TEC) is the American heir of Anglicanism, born after the American Revolution severed ties with the Church of England. It retains Anglican liturgy, bishops, and the Book of Common Prayer, but over time has charted its own course — one that often reflects American cultural trends more than biblical faithfulness.

Once known for its reverent worship and intellectual clergy, the Episcopal Church is today most often associated with progressive theology, political activism, and rapid decline. While individual parishes and believers may remain faithful, the denomination as a whole illustrates the dangers of placing tradition and culture above Scripture.

History

After the American Revolution (1776), Anglicans in America could no longer swear loyalty to the British crown or receive bishops from England. In 1789, the Episcopal Church formally organized, adopting its own Book of Common Prayer and establishing bishops within the United States.

For much of American history, the Episcopal Church was the “church of the establishment” — many Founding Fathers, U.S. presidents, and cultural elites worshiped within its walls. Its worship retained Anglican reverence and formality, but over time its theology drifted.

By the late 20th century, TEC embraced liberal theology — questioning biblical authority, ordaining women as priests and bishops, blessing same-sex unions, and tolerating universalist views of salvation. These moves fractured the denomination, leading to the creation of conservative Anglican offshoots such as the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).

Core Beliefs & Distinctives

• Book of Common Prayer: Episcopalians use a distinctly American version, emphasizing liturgy and sacramental life.

• Episcopal Polity: Bishops lead the church, continuing the hierarchical model inherited from Anglicanism.

• Broad Church Identity: TEC historically tolerated “high church” (Catholic-style), “low church” (evangelical), and “broad church” (liberal) expressions.

• Social Engagement: The denomination is heavily involved in social justice, political activism, and cultural debates.

Strengths

• Reverent Worship: Despite theological drift, Episcopal liturgy still carries a dignity often lacking in modern evangelicalism.

• Intellectual Tradition: Historically, Episcopalians valued education, producing influential theologians and writers.

• Global Connection: As part of the wider Anglican Communion, Episcopalians share in a worldwide heritage of worship and mission.

• Charity and Service: TEC emphasizes helping the poor and marginalized, reflecting a biblical call to justice (though often divorced from gospel truth).

Weaknesses & Errors

• Cultural Captivity: The Episcopal Church often mirrors American elite culture, adopting progressive stances to stay relevant rather than standing firm on Scripture.

• Doctrinal Drift: Many Episcopalian leaders openly deny the authority of Scripture, the exclusivity of Christ, and the reality of sin.

• Division: Moves such as ordaining openly gay bishops split the denomination, with many faithful parishes leaving for ACNA.

• Loss of Witness: By embracing cultural values over biblical truth, TEC has hemorrhaged members and become a shadow of its former influence.

What They Get Wrong Biblically

• Authority of Scripture: Many Episcopalians treat the Bible as one voice among many, rather than the inspired Word of God. Yet 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) is clear: “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.”

• Sexual Ethics: TEC’s approval of same-sex marriage contradicts the clear teaching of passages such as Romans 1:26–27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9–11.

• Inclusivity vs. Truth: While claiming to be “inclusive,” TEC often denies the exclusive claims of Christ: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6, NASB).

Myths to Refute

• “Episcopalians are just Anglicans.” Not quite. While sharing roots, TEC has embraced theological liberalism far beyond most global Anglicans.

  
  

• “Episcopal worship is inherently biblical.” Liturgy may sound biblical, but without doctrinal faithfulness it becomes empty ritual.

  
  

• “Episcopalians represent mainstream Christianity.” In truth, their theology increasingly places them outside orthodox Christian belief.

Pastoral Path Forward

Faithful Episcopalians face a hard road. Many have already left for the ACNA or other Anglican bodies. Those who remain must fight to hold onto biblical authority and gospel clarity within a denomination that often opposes both. Reverence in worship is only meaningful if joined with reverence for God’s Word.

Why Denominations Are Unbiblical

At the root, the very existence of denominations contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture. Paul rebuked the Corinthians for dividing themselves under labels—“I am of Paul,” “I am of Apollos”—and asked, “Has Christ been divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13, NASB).

Denominations are simply the modern version of that same error: elevating human traditions, teachers, or cultural distinctives above the unity of Christ. While God has worked through these groups despite their flaws, the reality remains—denominations fracture the body of Christ, blur the gospel’s simplicity, and create loyalties that compete with loyalty to Jesus Himself. The church was never meant to be “Catholic,” “Orthodox,” “Baptist,” or “Pentecostal.” It was meant to be one body, with Christ as its only Head.