Anglican vs. Episcopal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 20, 2023
Anglican refers to the Church of England and its global affiliates. Episcopal pertains to the U.S.-based church in the Anglican Communion.
Difference Between Anglican and Episcopal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Anglican originates from the Church of England, while Episcopal is the American branch of the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Church has its roots deeply embedded in English history, being formed during the English Reformation. Episcopal, on the other hand, was established in the United States post-independence, and it evolved to create a distinct identity, though still maintaining ties with Anglicanism.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Both Anglican and Episcopal entities face similar global challenges and often work together on matters of theology, social justice, and humanitarian efforts. While each has a distinct identity shaped by their historical and cultural contexts, the shared lineage fosters a sense of unity amidst the diversity.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Both Anglican and Episcopal churches share many common beliefs and practices. Anglican churches, scattered across the world, often reflect a variety of local cultural influences in their practices and liturgy. Whereas, Episcopal churches, while still Anglican, tend to be more homogenous in practice and often visibly American in their context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Anglican churches, while united by tradition and doctrine, exhibit significant regional autonomy. In contrast, the Episcopal Church, though autonomous, often emphasizes its ties to the broader Anglican Communion, maintaining a semblance of unity despite geographical and cultural distances.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Anglican derives from the Latin “Anglicana,” meaning English, and traditionally relates to anything associated with England. Episcopal is derived from the Greek word "episkopos," translating to overseer or bishop, referencing the church's governance structure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Global Presence
Worldwide, in various forms.
Predominantly in the United States
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Oct 20, 2023
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Definitions
Anglican
Anglican pertains to being related to or denoting the Church of England.
The Anglican clergy gathered for the yearly synod.
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Oct 03, 2023
Episcopal
Episcopal refers to a church governed by bishops.
The Episcopal Church places a significant emphasis on the bishop’s authority.
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Oct 03, 2023
Anglican
Anglican sometimes refers to a member of the Anglican Church.
Anglicans worldwide celebrate Easter at the same time.
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Oct 03, 2023
Episcopal
Episcopal pertains to the American branch of the Anglican Communion.
Episcopal churches in the USA participate in numerous social justice initiatives.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Anglican
Anglican can describe something as having characteristics of English culture or tradition.
The Anglican traditions were observed during the ceremony.
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Oct 03, 2023
Episcopal
Episcopal may refer to a member of the Episcopal Church.
Episcopalians often engage in community service and outreach programs.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Anglican
Anglican refers to the Church of England and its global affiliates.
The Anglican Communion represents millions of Christians worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Episcopal
Episcopal can relate to the structure and hierarchy involving bishops.
The Episcopal governance model has been adopted by various Christian denominations.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Anglican
Anglican may denote the doctrines, practices, and liturgies of the Church of England.
The Anglican liturgy is practiced in churches worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Episcopal
Episcopal is sometimes used to describe the doctrines and practices of the Episcopal Church.
Episcopal liturgies are known for their structured and reverential nature.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Anglican
Of or characteristic of the Church of England or any of the churches related to it in origin and communion, such as the Episcopal Church.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 21, 2021
Anglican
A member of the Church of England or of any of the churches related to it.
Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 21, 2021
Anglican
English; of or pertaining to England or the English nation; especially, pertaining to, or connected with, the established church of England; as, the Anglican church, doctrine, orders, ritual, etc.
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Aug 21, 2021
Episcopal
Of or relating to the affairs of a bishop in various Christian churches.
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Aug 21, 2021
Anglican
Pertaining to, characteristic of, or held by, the high church party of the Church of England.
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Aug 21, 2021
Anglican
A member of the Church of England.
Whether Catholics, Anglicans, or Calvinists.
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Aug 21, 2021
Episcopal
Belonging to, or vested in, bishops; as, episcopal jurisdiction or authority; the episcopal system.
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Aug 21, 2021
Anglican
In a restricted sense, a member of the High Church party, or of the more advanced ritualistic section, in the Church of England.
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Aug 21, 2021
Episcopal
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the Episcopal church;
The Episcopal hierarachy
Married by an Episcopalian minister
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Aug 21, 2021
Anglican
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the Anglican church;
An Anglican Bishop
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Aug 21, 2021
FAQs
Is the Anglican Church prevalent worldwide?
Yes, the Anglican Communion has a presence worldwide, with autonomous national and regional churches in full communion with the Church of England.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Are Anglican and Episcopal churches Protestant?
Yes, both Anglican and Episcopal churches are considered Protestant, although they retain many liturgical elements of Catholicism.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Is the Episcopal Church exclusive to the United States?
Primarily, yes. The Episcopal Church refers specifically to the Anglican-affiliated church in the United States, although there are a few Episcopal churches in other locations, like Taiwan.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
How is the Anglican Church governed?
Governance in the Anglican Communion can vary but typically involves a structure with archbishops, bishops, priests, and deacons.
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Oct 20, 2023
What does "Anglican" mean?
Anglican pertains to the Church of England and its global affiliates.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
What is the primary difference between Anglican and Episcopal?
Anglican generally refers to the Church of England and its affiliates worldwide, while Episcopal specifically refers to the American branch of the Anglican Communion.
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Oct 20, 2023
Can Anglican priests get married?
Yes, in the Anglican tradition, priests can marry and have children.
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Oct 20, 2023
What language is traditionally used in Anglican services?
Anglican services are typically conducted in the vernacular, meaning the language spoken by the people in a particular country or region.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Where does the term "Episcopal" originate?
Episcopal originates from the Greek word "episkopos," which means overseer or bishop.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Are Anglican and Episcopal churches similar in worship style?
Generally, yes. Anglican and Episcopal churches share similar liturgical worship styles, though there can be variations depending on the individual church or geographic location.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Why did the Episcopal Church separate from the Church of England?
The Episcopal Church formed post-American Revolution, separating from the Church of England to establish an independent identity and leadership while maintaining theological and liturgical ties.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Are Episcopal services similar to Catholic ones?
Yes, Episcopal services often resemble Catholic ones in liturgical style, structure, and use of sacraments but differ in theology and governance.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Can Anglican and Episcopal churches be found in non-English-speaking countries?
Yes, both Anglican and Episcopal churches are found worldwide, adapting their services to local languages and cultures.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
What kind of governance is associated with the term "Episcopal"?
Episcopal governance involves a hierarchy with bishops, where bishops play a crucial role in church leadership and oversight.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
How does the Episcopal Church view social issues?
The Episcopal Church is generally considered progressive, often advocating for social justice and inclusivity.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
