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Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices
Take a journey through The Book of Common Prayer, the Christian life, and basic beliefs of our faith, guided by two Episcopal priests. Walk through the liturgical year, the sacraments of the church, habits of daily prayer, and the teachings of Anglican Christianity. See how our prayer shapes our belief and our lives and how our beliefs lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 17, 2024
I think of how God called me away from a pretty happy career making a pretty good salary into the ordained ministry, a vocation that is tremendously challenging but that offers me more joy than I could have dreamed.
Scott Gunn, director of Forward Movement, and Melody Wilson Shobe, associate for children and families at a church in Dallas, provide an overview of Episcopal beliefs and traditions in Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices. They break down the overall denomination into sections examining specific elements of the faith: Sacraments, Daily Office, Creeds & Scripture, Church polity, Triune God, and Evangelism. In each section, they break down the vocabulary and unveil hidden origins or meanings which may escape the novice parishioner or clueless cradle Episcopalian. The information is relevant and useful. The book is fundamentally designed to anchor a course on the subject (and each chapter ends with discussion questions), so, while informative, there are gaps in several topics which, ideally, would be filled in a class by an instructor who has delved more deeply in the material.
The issues I have with this book are the tone and assumptions about its audience. It reads like a brochure inviting someone to a really fun, meaningful country club. There are assumptions made about the reader: the reader doesn't know much about the history of the church, the reader is upper or middle-class, the reader has a spouse and children, and the reader wants to be the greatest Episcopalian ever. When discussing Evangelism, the authors spend an inordinate amount of time over the abstract "good news" from the Biblical story, barely touching on the fact that living Christian values--not words--is a better guide and beacon to the faith. When describing church services or opportunities, I wondered if either of these two ever served in a small, struggling church servicing a community in economic decline and population.
When discussing vocations, one of the authors tells the heartwarming story of how a lady badly wanted to fit into the community of her church, but she couldn't figure a way. The priest asked the lady what she enjoyed doing. She said, "Ironing." And, believe it or not, that's exactly what the church was looking for--someone to iron the altar cloths. Isn't God wonderful sending a servant to the church just when their altar cloths were not looking so well? Gosh darn. I bet their church also has people whose unbridled joy is in cleaning toilets.
The Episcopal church has a reputation as a "rich man's church." This book doesn't dispel that myth. The parishioner catered to in this book has no worries about income and is not broken spiritually or physically. Not all Episcopalians are this shallow--I wish Gunn and Shobe would have taken the opportunity to show what our church is truly capable of accomplishing when "walking in love" isn't gilded with God's favor and strewn with rose petals.
Scott Gunn, director of Forward Movement, and Melody Wilson Shobe, associate for children and families at a church in Dallas, provide an overview of Episcopal beliefs and traditions in Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices. They break down the overall denomination into sections examining specific elements of the faith: Sacraments, Daily Office, Creeds & Scripture, Church polity, Triune God, and Evangelism. In each section, they break down the vocabulary and unveil hidden origins or meanings which may escape the novice parishioner or clueless cradle Episcopalian. The information is relevant and useful. The book is fundamentally designed to anchor a course on the subject (and each chapter ends with discussion questions), so, while informative, there are gaps in several topics which, ideally, would be filled in a class by an instructor who has delved more deeply in the material.
The issues I have with this book are the tone and assumptions about its audience. It reads like a brochure inviting someone to a really fun, meaningful country club. There are assumptions made about the reader: the reader doesn't know much about the history of the church, the reader is upper or middle-class, the reader has a spouse and children, and the reader wants to be the greatest Episcopalian ever. When discussing Evangelism, the authors spend an inordinate amount of time over the abstract "good news" from the Biblical story, barely touching on the fact that living Christian values--not words--is a better guide and beacon to the faith. When describing church services or opportunities, I wondered if either of these two ever served in a small, struggling church servicing a community in economic decline and population.
When discussing vocations, one of the authors tells the heartwarming story of how a lady badly wanted to fit into the community of her church, but she couldn't figure a way. The priest asked the lady what she enjoyed doing. She said, "Ironing." And, believe it or not, that's exactly what the church was looking for--someone to iron the altar cloths. Isn't God wonderful sending a servant to the church just when their altar cloths were not looking so well? Gosh darn. I bet their church also has people whose unbridled joy is in cleaning toilets.
The Episcopal church has a reputation as a "rich man's church." This book doesn't dispel that myth. The parishioner catered to in this book has no worries about income and is not broken spiritually or physically. Not all Episcopalians are this shallow--I wish Gunn and Shobe would have taken the opportunity to show what our church is truly capable of accomplishing when "walking in love" isn't gilded with God's favor and strewn with rose petals.
November 17, 2018
Having recently begun attending an Episcopal church a few months ago, I was both in awe and overwhelmed by the service. While I adored the more high church structure (I had no attended church in some time, not since childhood, but when I did it was of a Baptist persuasion) it was a huge change for me. I was both drawn to and confused by everything. I obviously owned a bible but after adding my own BCP to the bookshelf, I was still left wondering just why certain things are done the way they are.
This book was the answer to my prayers! It took me on a wonderful journey, and explained in a decent amount of detail why we do Rites and Sacraments. I was so happy with my purchase of this book.
This book was the answer to my prayers! It took me on a wonderful journey, and explained in a decent amount of detail why we do Rites and Sacraments. I was so happy with my purchase of this book.
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April 27, 2025Thankful to call Grace Episcopal home! Glad I did the inquirers class: not only did I learn a lot, I met some radically epic friends and allies. This book was a helpful guide to exploring Episcopalian beliefs and practices (as the title says, haha)- but the ad libs, deep dives, and discussions in class each week were peak!
Praise for safe spaces and people!
Praise for Episcopal parishes that affirm all of God's creation; race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability level, education level, and religious background. And not just affirming these from behind the scenes-from the pulpit! Priests and clergy pledging this in their actions and every day life!
Praise for safe spaces and people!
Praise for Episcopal parishes that affirm all of God's creation; race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability level, education level, and religious background. And not just affirming these from behind the scenes-from the pulpit! Priests and clergy pledging this in their actions and every day life!
May 12, 2025
I'm going to rate this book 3 stars because it is very informative about the Episcopal church. This book came into the lives of my fiancé and I because my fiancé recently checked out one of this denomination's churches. The Episcopal church is more inviting than other open and affirming denominations/synods, but it is, in my opinion, still a bit too left-leaning. For example, on pg 272, it is stated that thanks to feminist theologians, this denomination's official stance on the Heavenly Father is that He is either genderless or feminine. The idea that in order to fully welcome lgbt people, we have to either degenderize or regenderize the Heavenly Father has never made any sense to me, nor does the idea of still referring to the creator as our Heavenly Father while trying to claim He's genderless or female.
Also, the authors put in this book that is best to be compassionate because our faith demands it. I'm afraid not. We should be compassionate because we want to be compassionate, otherwise we're doing it for some kind of reward and therefore for the wrong reason. Further, this book reveals how left-leaning this denomination still is after you get passed the middle. There's a lot of focus on how we treat people and not so much on living a Christ-like life (as Christians are supposed to want) except to say that the only thing you have to do to be Christ-like is to love people. Coming from a person with theologically right-leaning Lutheran background who converted to Catholicism: no. Even though i converted away, i can tell you that's not right. Left-wing churches are famous for watering down the scriptures and sermons as a way to welcome the lgbt while this denomination doesn't do it as much as others, it still does it to a certain extent. Just a PSA: You're not welcoming all lgbt people by force-feeding this. You're pushing the more biblical believers away.
It may not seem like it, but this version of this review is actually less passionate in its dissent than the over version was. Again, I give this book 3 stars because it is very informative about the Episcopal church, and even someone that doesn't personally agree with everything within its pages can see that the authors did a good job putting this together.
Lastly, I find it darkly humorous that we used a pro-life postcard as a bookmark.
Also, the authors put in this book that is best to be compassionate because our faith demands it. I'm afraid not. We should be compassionate because we want to be compassionate, otherwise we're doing it for some kind of reward and therefore for the wrong reason. Further, this book reveals how left-leaning this denomination still is after you get passed the middle. There's a lot of focus on how we treat people and not so much on living a Christ-like life (as Christians are supposed to want) except to say that the only thing you have to do to be Christ-like is to love people. Coming from a person with theologically right-leaning Lutheran background who converted to Catholicism: no. Even though i converted away, i can tell you that's not right. Left-wing churches are famous for watering down the scriptures and sermons as a way to welcome the lgbt while this denomination doesn't do it as much as others, it still does it to a certain extent. Just a PSA: You're not welcoming all lgbt people by force-feeding this. You're pushing the more biblical believers away.
It may not seem like it, but this version of this review is actually less passionate in its dissent than the over version was. Again, I give this book 3 stars because it is very informative about the Episcopal church, and even someone that doesn't personally agree with everything within its pages can see that the authors did a good job putting this together.
Lastly, I find it darkly humorous that we used a pro-life postcard as a bookmark.
March 13, 2019
I used this incredible book to teach a 10 week introductory class to the Episcopal Church. People loved its accessibility, content, and imagery. The accompanying facilitator guide available through Forward Movement made it a breeze to teach. I’m already being asked when we will offer the course again. What an amazing resource! I highly recommend it for both individuals and those looking for something to use in groups at parishes.
June 12, 2018
Truly beautiful book that answers your questions if you're new to the faith; informs your faith even if you're a lifelong Episcopalian; gives you ways to expand and strengthen your faith; and can serve as a text for a discussion group within your church.
The authors are refreshingly positive and informative. Excellent introduction to and refresher for the Episcopal faith.
The authors are refreshingly positive and informative. Excellent introduction to and refresher for the Episcopal faith.
August 4, 2025
4.5 stars Full disclosure: I know one of the authors and just adore her so this was a book I was very happy to read. With that being said, it’s an award winning one for a reason. It’s clear, well written, personable, and meaningful. It’s a great orientation for people new to the Episcopal tradition, and it’s deep and wise enough for those who have been around for a while and just want a refresher. The chapters provide a framework and structure to the traditions and approaches that make Episcopal worship so meaningful. It’s a book I will recommend for sure.
February 23, 2025
I read this book in preparation for my confirmation into the Episcopal church. I'm getting confirmed tomorrow, and I feel like this book gave me an excellent overview of the core concepts and beliefs of the Episcopal denomination. The authors state that the way they cover some topics merely scratches the surface of their complexity, but for such a broad overview, just the basics of certain topics sufficed. I also feel like this book invited me to delve deeper into elements of my faith that I hadn't interrogated before. All in all, an excellent introduction to a denomination that I feel like aligns with my own walk of faith.
January 8, 2025
Wonderful overview
I found the chapters on Sunday liturgy and the Daily Office to be immensely helpful in understanding the Anglican way of spirituality as I begin my journey in earnest in becoming Episcopalian.
I found the chapters on Sunday liturgy and the Daily Office to be immensely helpful in understanding the Anglican way of spirituality as I begin my journey in earnest in becoming Episcopalian.
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April 27, 2025woah what a journey! enjoyed learning about the episcopal church and traditions.
I really like what @cocopuff had to say about it in her review, so go read hers!
I really like what @cocopuff had to say about it in her review, so go read hers!
September 26, 2018
4.5 stars
A lovely overview of Episcopal beliefs and practice, written clearly and with beauty.
A lovely overview of Episcopal beliefs and practice, written clearly and with beauty.
July 18, 2023
An equally-appropriate title for this would be: “How to be an Episcopalian”. It covers doctrinal beliefs, church structure, and plenty more in an easy to reference way.
Growing up in an evangelical household turned me off from ever again wanting to be a part of that particular political movement posing as a church.
In spite of these cynical feelings, my faith has remained important to me in each new shape it’s taken. During a tough personal time I had while living in Bellingham, volunteering at the local Episcopal Church gave me a sense of comfort, purpose, and sanity and that’s stuck with me through the years. This is a much better church tradition in my estimation: The Church is dedicated to social Justice and antiracism in clear tangible ways and they are LGBTQ+ affirming for clergy and congregants alike.
When a church treats the marginalized well and does so intentionally I think that’s a good sign. This faith tradition openly acknowledges that some terrible things have been done and are still being done in the name of Christianity some of them by the Episcopal Church itself. We can only improve the world around us when we admit that it is our responsibility not only to do better now but to undo the wrongs that preceded us. The authors of this book clearly believe that and I think they make a compelling case for readers to as well.
Growing up in an evangelical household turned me off from ever again wanting to be a part of that particular political movement posing as a church.
In spite of these cynical feelings, my faith has remained important to me in each new shape it’s taken. During a tough personal time I had while living in Bellingham, volunteering at the local Episcopal Church gave me a sense of comfort, purpose, and sanity and that’s stuck with me through the years. This is a much better church tradition in my estimation: The Church is dedicated to social Justice and antiracism in clear tangible ways and they are LGBTQ+ affirming for clergy and congregants alike.
When a church treats the marginalized well and does so intentionally I think that’s a good sign. This faith tradition openly acknowledges that some terrible things have been done and are still being done in the name of Christianity some of them by the Episcopal Church itself. We can only improve the world around us when we admit that it is our responsibility not only to do better now but to undo the wrongs that preceded us. The authors of this book clearly believe that and I think they make a compelling case for readers to as well.
April 13, 2020
I chose to read this as part of my Lenten journey this year - our rector held some sessions about the book too (the one I was able to attend was fabulous and brought the book more to life. It is a good overview of the Episcopal faith and beliefs. Well written, thoughtful and accessible.
I came to the Episcopal church a while ago after a break from church / leaving my former church home and found it a fairly big shift. I wish I had had / known of this book then. But glad I read it now. It is a lovely way to learn more - including about the book of common prayer.
Recommended for Episcopalians and those curious to learn about their beliefs and the church structure / roles.
I came to the Episcopal church a while ago after a break from church / leaving my former church home and found it a fairly big shift. I wish I had had / known of this book then. But glad I read it now. It is a lovely way to learn more - including about the book of common prayer.
Recommended for Episcopalians and those curious to learn about their beliefs and the church structure / roles.
August 20, 2018
Good insight into Episcopal practice
A good view into the Eucharist and daily prayer but not as in depth as it could be on some matters of practicing faith. But this is due to the number of topics covered and the book does recommend other sources for further study.
A good view into the Eucharist and daily prayer but not as in depth as it could be on some matters of practicing faith. But this is due to the number of topics covered and the book does recommend other sources for further study.
August 12, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much. It was an assigned read as I wished to make the commitment to be received in the Episcopal church. I am a baptized and confirmed Lutheran. I met my beloved many years ago and we both had a desire to go to church together. He was a cradle Episcopalian and I was curious. Much was familiar and I really liked the emphasis on tradition and all but one of the churches we attended was progressive. We were married at Trinity in downtown Seattle in 1992 and raised our children, baptized and confirmed in the episcopal church on Bainbridge Island. We moved east to North Carolina and we have landed eventually in Durham and found a lovely church in north Raleigh. I have found myself drawn to explore my faith in a deeper practice and have been taking the Education for Ministry classes and in the mean time decided to be received. The episcopal church recognizes baptism and confirmation from the Lutheran church but I decided to take the next step and be received. This was the reading assignment for our class and I have learned about more about the church and it affirmed the commitment and the love I have not only for the denomination but also a deeper faith. It lovely readable book .
August 4, 2021
In reality I'd give this two separate ratings.
5 stars for content. As a convert to the Episcopal Church this was chalk full of information that I found genuinely helpful and informative. Equal parts background/history, liturgical/theological explainer and general "how to Episcopal" guide - it covers a LOT of ground in a well organized and thoughtful format.
3 stars for engagement though. It's dry reading. Quite honestly I think it's done about as well as it could be, but the subject matter just isn't electrifying. I ended up reading one small section at a time and since I often read before bed I frequently fell asleep and had to reread sections. Definitely NOT the author's fault, their writing was light, welcoming and engaging in a friendly way, it's just kind of a dry subject. I learned a lot, and I've found myself going back to sections for refreshers, but I'm glad I finally got through it.
5 stars for content. As a convert to the Episcopal Church this was chalk full of information that I found genuinely helpful and informative. Equal parts background/history, liturgical/theological explainer and general "how to Episcopal" guide - it covers a LOT of ground in a well organized and thoughtful format.
3 stars for engagement though. It's dry reading. Quite honestly I think it's done about as well as it could be, but the subject matter just isn't electrifying. I ended up reading one small section at a time and since I often read before bed I frequently fell asleep and had to reread sections. Definitely NOT the author's fault, their writing was light, welcoming and engaging in a friendly way, it's just kind of a dry subject. I learned a lot, and I've found myself going back to sections for refreshers, but I'm glad I finally got through it.
November 16, 2023
I was kindly given this book by an Episcopal priest after telling him my plans to switch from Catholic to Episcopal. I assumed it may be a little dull, but I ended up loving it. This book is written in an approachable way (enticing, keeps you reading) and the content is extremely relatable. It is educational as it explains the key beliefs and practices of the Episcopal church, but it’s also meaningful with its heavy promotion of introspection. It emphasizes the positivity of Christianity that is often lost with some of the more extreme Christian faiths. It also reminds us of the meanings behind the things we say in church as Christians. The book left me energized and reassured about my choice to switch religions. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in learning more about the Episcopal faith.
August 13, 2019
This is an excellent introductory book (it was actually assigned for my catechism class). The final third begins to feel a little repetitive because the authors delve further into to topics they have already covered earlier. (I don't understand why they didn't just cover the topic fully the first time.) But it manages to be accessible to the completely uninitiated while still not feeling childish or elementary. An excellent resource for adults who might have grown up in the church, but didn't necessarily learn all the ins and outs of its theology or the logic behind certain practices.
December 11, 2025
A wonderful choice for anyone wanting to learn more about or considering converting to the Episcopal Church. Only downside was that I wish it hadn’t been quite so pedantic at certain points- there’s a whole 3 pages about how children form apologies in the chapter on confession that are supposed to serve as a metaphor, but boy is that a long time to just get to the point. Overall though, this book does a great job at explaining general beliefs and details about this small but unique denomination.
September 8, 2021
Excellent book that covers so much more than Episcopalian Practices & Beliefs. It is written in a laid back conversational style but is jam packed with information as if it were a textbook. The authors keep the story moving at a good pace. The chapters are short enough to con you into reading "just one more". They include humor enough to make you laugh out loud every few pages. I learned a lot form this book.
August 22, 2023
We read this book at our church to learn about Episcopalian Faith/Theology. A very good book as an introduction to the Episcopal Church. I like the subtitle - Beliefs & Practices. I bought this book for a couple of friends. Also, Scott Gunn hosts a "contest" during Lent - "Lent Madness" - a way to learn about "saints" - modern and ancient - and like "March Madness" - there is one winner! This year, the Golden Halo winner, Jonathan Daniels!
October 5, 2018
This is not just for baby Episcopalians. I have been going to Anglican Church for three years now and I always find myself discovering and rediscovering new things about how we practice our faith. I used this for a class, and I found the writing useful for both individual and group learning. Basic plus is what I would call it. Wonderful.
October 9, 2020
4.5
Great introduction with concise, caring explanations that make concepts and practices approachable and personable to the reader. My favorite chapters were the three focused on creation care, incarnation, and spiritual gifts (chapters 21-23). Although the book is long, it reads very quickly. Definitely recommended.
Great introduction with concise, caring explanations that make concepts and practices approachable and personable to the reader. My favorite chapters were the three focused on creation care, incarnation, and spiritual gifts (chapters 21-23). Although the book is long, it reads very quickly. Definitely recommended.
March 6, 2022
For me there is really nothing in this book that is new . Me and my fiance are joining the church and this was the book the priest gave us as part of confirmation . This book is a nice review of the basics of Christianity and the beliefs of the church. It is well written and organized. It has great questions in it about your experience with God in your life .
March 26, 2022
Walk in Love is a perfect text for a confirmation class of youth and adults. It is simple, but not simplistic. The author lays out in a very organized way the basic tenets of Anglican faith and practice, a way which highlights the importance of corporate worship and common prayer. This book is very accessible and both lay and clergy will find it enlightening.
July 31, 2022
As someone new to working in an Episcopal church, Walk in Love helped provide me a theological understanding and a bit of a historical background of the Episcopal Church's practice and theology. Personally, I wish it had gone a bit deeper into some of the topics. However, the book serves its purpose very well.
February 19, 2025
I read this as part of an “Episcopal 101” series of classes I took at my church. Great introduction to the Episcopal Church; an informative book, written with love and patience, that reads pretty quickly. I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a church, or if you’re not and are just intellectually curious about the Episcopal Church.
January 13, 2019
As an Episcopalian for 60 of my 80 years this book gave me some insights that I've either overlooked or was unaware. Due to being confirmed as an adult I think my preparation for confirmation may not have been as thorough as it could have been.
September 22, 2019
This has been a fascinating, enriching, and joyful read. Reading this book has helped me not only understand my new denomination as an Episcopalian but also think more deeply and critically about my Christian faith. Now that I've finished this, I'm determined to re-read it all again.
February 29, 2020
Very well written in language that is easily understood. This was used as a study guide and very helpful as I transition from ELCA to the Episcopal Church. The suggested readings by the authors as one read chapter to chapter help understand more fully and were very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews