Welcome to the Episcopal Church: An Introduction to Its History, Faith, and Worship

by Christopher L. Webber

The perfect book for inquirers and new members, as well as current Church members who may be unfamiliar with some of the Church's history, beliefs, and practices.This introduction to the history, polity, spirituality, worship, and outreach of the Episcopal Church is written in an easy-to-read conversational tone, and includes study questions at the end of each chapter, making it an excellent resource for adult parish study and inquirers' classes.

Genres: Religion, Christianity, Christian, Nonfiction, History, Theology, Church

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

"Priest, poet, and farmer" is the short summary. After many years of ministry in inner city, overseas (Tokyo), suburban, and rural locations I lived for twenty years in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Twenty acres of woods, garden, and orchard provided an excellent balance to writing. There's no better cure for writer's block than splitting some more firewood. Less than two years ago, however, I moved to San Francisco and am enjoying life in the city with its conveniences and cultural opportunities. Two books have been published in recent months and although my next book deadline is February 15, I'm doing what I can to promote "Dear Friends: Letters from St. Paul to Christians in America" and "Give Me Liberty: Seeches and Speakers that Shaped America."
"

Reviews

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amount of historical content isn't significant, but enough for someone like me who knows so little about these things. I was especially intrigued by the Celtic influences on the church, how early they were and the fact that they had female priests as early as the 7th century.

I'm getting quite a lot of information from this slim little book. I'm also learning some things about myself:

1. that I have never really understood Christianity, but have only somewhat understood Protestantism... which is not saying the same thing and not saying much (to my discredit)

2. most ideological problems I've had with Christianity were specifically with mainstream Protestantism... namely the emphasis on 'salvation' (which has never concerned me), literal readings of the Bible, the reinvent-the-wheel style over-democractization (which isn't really democratic), apocalyptic visions of a new heaven and earth rather than reformed visions, the right-wing politics and the anti-intellectualism

3. that I have a sincere interest in worship and mystery, which I wasn't aware were part of the Christian tradition (honestly)

Now, mind you, these things about myself are what I've thought about from reading the book... NOT what the writer has written about Christianity. I'm just pleased that such a seemingly straight-forward, information style book could prompt these thoughts.

Here's what I said previously, when I read the first half a couple of nights ago:

It's an easy read and full of information for people like me who have no grounding in traditional progressive (sounds contradictory, but not really) Christianity. I'm also finding that it's in conversation with those ideas I'd focused on in Siddhartha... namely going through experience and through the body.

In reference to the sacraments and the ceremonial movement of the body through the space, Webber wrote two things I found particularly interesting:

Human beings have misused created things so often that some forms of religion, even some forms of Christianity, are inclined to distrust and reject created things as inherently evil. (p.34)

Two people in love can sit at opposite ends of a couch and gaze soulfully into each other's eyes, but sooner or later most people will find it helpful to get closer and to use their bodies to say what their words can never fully express. "Platonic relationships" are inadequate.(p.35)

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a former Southern Baptist who left that denomination and the evangelical doctrine of it years ago, I have nonetheless continued to search for a place where my spirituality and continuing belief in God could belong. As a queer person, it’s been important to me to find a place where I am accepted and affirmed, not tolerated.

After reading this book (and remembering that it was written in 1999), I feel like maybe I’ve found a place that I’ve been looking for for years. A church who says, “We don’t know all the answers and are ok with the mystery of God. We don’t claim to be the only ones who are right. We are more concerned with loving and caring for people the way we believe God loves and cares for us. We believe that women have equal voices and are equipped to lead just as well as men. We believe in living out our faith in ways that make life better for marginalized people,” well, that’s a church I might be able to try.
It was a bit dry in places but I learned so much about the history of the Anglican Church and found it just fascinating.
“Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome at this table.” This is the refrain heard in Episcopal churches everywhere. 3.5 stars

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great resource for those wanting to get a quick primer on the Episcopal Church, its history, practices and theology. Sometimes, it actually gets a little too brief, and other times it gets a little smug. It could also use an update, as despite the alleged 2017 copyright it's clearly about a decade old and missing discussion of the LGBT controversies that have become prominent in the denomination of late. But all that said, this does exactly what it intends: provides a concise and readable introduction to America's oldest Protestant denomination.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book's format indicated that it was aiming to simply the Episcopal Church's complex history, beliefs, and practice; however, having read the whole book, I find it very difficult to remember much of what I've read. I think that if I really want to learn the history of the church I need to not cheat and to read many books covering different periods in detail. If I had more details and stories to latch onto, I would perhaps remember more. I likely also don't remember as much as I would like because I wasn't surprised by much. This is good and bad. This is good because I'm not missing anything major; I know what's going on. This is bad because it's not what I wanted. And then I realized that this book is just not the one I wanted anyways. I wanted a book that expounded more on how to perform the practices of the church and how to be in the church. And I just need another book for that.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the pastoral staff at the Episcopal church I'm attending gave me this book. Dry reading, but a good introduction to the history, theology, and current practices of the Episcopal Faith. For a Presbyterian like me considering changing denominations, it gives just the right amount of information. It would be nice if it were a little more engaging (as I mentioned, it's pretty dry) and included some organizational charts, but overall a good source of information.

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction. I read it because I have heard random good things about the Episcopal Church and wanted to find out a brief version of the whole story. This book was perfect. I think it would be good in a discussion group, but without it, I think its small size allowed me to skim parts without really learning much. I would have liked more on the history part, I guess.

[Brandon Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided an excellent introduction to the history, faith, and worship of the Episcopal Church. I realize that is what the title said it would do, and, yes, it really did deliver. A great book, and I would recommend it to anyone who is seeking to learn about the Episcopal Church.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helped me reconnect with the church. I am one who needs to understand the prayers, the history, etc. of the service. This book helped explain the faith to me. A good and concise guide to the Episcopal church.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Episcopal priest gave me this years ago, just got around to reading it. An informative and well-written introduction to that church.

[Olivia Thames · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the moment I entered Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland OH, to the current moment where I am reflecting on my first year as a baptized member of the Episcopal Church, phrases like
"The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" (VII and IX) and "God Loves You, No Exceptions" still ring truer than the bells that ring at the beginning and end of Sunday morning Eucharist.

A church and community that has offered and found comfort (and controversy) in the "both/and" (72) approach, Webber offers those who are curious about the church (then, now, and in the future) a chance to answer some of their own questions with a summary of its first few millenniums. The seven chapters will answer some questions, but not most.

Some might find this to be a bother, but this is done to keep the process of unified discussion going. By continuous discussion we all learn something for the better and for all. I enjoyed each of the list of prompts for discussion at the end of each chapter, and hope they will serve others the way they served me.

During Holy Week, and during a global pandemic, followers of Christ (or any religion) could find themselves returning to the roots of their faith in order to understand the current times. While I am doing so more for the realignment with my faith instead of the pandemic, either situation can be comforted in solo and 'group' worship. By reading this book, and answering the questions at the end of the book and walking away with others, I feel like I am realigning and enjoy the journey as it goes. In turn, it will ease me with each day we enter the pandemic, or just waking up in the morning and making a cup of coffee.

While it will be some time before I am able to worship together with most of my church, I can still commune with them and others of/not of the faith for a worldwide unity. This unity, by caring for others even at a distance, will hopefully result in a new path of peace for us all whether we share beliefs or not.

In parting, Webber states,"There will be more unity in a society that cares for all its members than in a society in which divisions of race and class go unrecognized and unhealed. There will always be controversy about the methods by which this ministry is carried out, but there can be no question of the centrality of this ministry to the gospel," (125). I could not agree more.

[Nikolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Helpful

I have been a Christian for 64 years. I have been apart of several different denominations. And several churches. As we have moved around this great nation we always seek out a congregation that loves God and studies His word. In the Presbyterian church we heard a solid sermon on the scripture without a political agenda. Always reading and explaining the scripture. I recently had an opportunity to join an Episcopalian church. I am enjoying the liturgical service. The fact that we will read the whole Bible every 3 years . Our priest is excellent at bringing the Word to life. I really appreciate reading this book to learn more the history of what has gotten us this pint

[Kristin Sargeant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful guide to the Episcopal Church's history, worship, approach to the Bible/theology/spirituality, hierarchy/organization, and mission. Read in preparation for confirmation into the Episcopal Church.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a good book for a newcomers' class at an Episcopal church. Good information, written for a popular audience. Although much has changed in the Episcopal church since it was written in 1999, the general ethos and approach to the faith has remained pretty much the same.

[Sophia Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks

This was nice. I would show it to people.
Better than my Catholic book.
It was helpful.
It was great as 8

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent introduction to the Episcopal Church. Easy to read, relatively short. I highly recommend.

[Johann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t say I learned anything new here than I learned from a few YouTube videos.

[Mary Narkiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, concise and well written introduction to the Episcopal Church. My copy is heavily highlighted and marked with notes.

[Justin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun--I would have liked a bit more history, but it does what it says it will. It did not, however, make me rush to church.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative read!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

This was a great book explaining the history of the church I grew up in, and how it works. The author at no point became dry, he kept my interest and curiosity?

[Cyrus Nelsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As it says, it’s an Introduction. Good for those who are new to the Episcopal faith. However, is written in a tone that is sympathetic to the liberal developments in the Church.

[h · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad introduction to the history of the church, including an overview of the Reformation.
It doesn't focus have much focus on the rituals and sacraments, or why the church partakes in the way they do.

[Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad place to start, I suppose, but dry and uninspirational. Author Webber often lapses into the logism "on the one hand, on the other hand," which tends to extinguish the power of his point of view, when he actually has one. The flexibility of the Episcopal Church is appealing, but there has to be a better introductory overview than this.

[Merys Kelleher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much delivers on what it promises. I'm sure that there will be folks who think it doesn't go far enough, just as there are those who feel that there is more information here than they really need. While this book repeats some of the information found in other volumes of the "Welcome to..." series, I personally found it to be a balanced exploration of the qualities and challenges of the Episcopal church, historically as well as in modernity. I was very impressed that the author didn't flinch from addressing contemporary challenges facing today's church. That kind of honesty and integrity reflects well on the church as a whole.

[Goatville9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers in providing an introduction to the Episcopal Church. While most who seek out this book will have some background in Christian faith I don't find the need comment on worship, the Bible, ministry, mission, or spirituality.

To me the most interesting element - to a any reader especially fans of history - is how the Anglican Church in America had to evolve after the Revolutionary War. As Americans shed the political ties that bound them to England, a church descended from the Church of England had to reconcile itself.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of the Episcopal Church helps me because I am not of a Catholic or Anglican/Episcopal background.
I had assume with little knowledge or background of what the Anglican/Episcopal meant- either a Catholic or a Reformed (Protestant), when it was more of a "middle of the road".
I discovered through this book, there is more similarities then differences.

I was in search of a church denomination that accepts and encourages.
This book confirms my choice.

[Mac McCormick III · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone searching for a new church home, I found this book very informative. The Episcopal Church is one I've been curious about and in addition to a visit to a local church, it has helped steer me in that direction.

[Maya Senen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is nice to know what you are signing onto. The history, facts, and questions. Much like the rest of this series, it is not necessarily aimed at newcomers- it welcomes all no matter where they are on the journey. It is pretty easy to read and a good springboard for further inquiry.

[KATHLEEN MOORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Episcopal Church

This is all new information to me. I found it enlightening and to the point. Unity, worship and reaching out to mankind were easily understood in drawing people to God.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, thorough read. Very informative, and something good to have on hand for reference or sharing with others. Not as exciting of a read as other things, but definitely worth having, reading and keeping around.