Finding Home: Stories of Roman Catholics Entering the Episcopal Church

by Christopher L. Webber

Webber tells the stories of men and women who left the church of their childhood for various reasons: questions of conscience, desire to remarry after divorce, conflict over religious authority, the need to explore and question, a hunger for spiritual growth, or theological differences. These vivid stories also raise larger pastoral questions of discernment, hospitality, inclusion, and belonging.

Genres: Theology

184 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

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."
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Reviews

[Squishy Bubblesnog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for those of us who were raised Roman Catholic and who have left the church to find something else that fits us better. The Episcopal/Anglican Church will feel like home to most of us who love the ritual of the Roman mass but want to live our faith more actively and in line with scripture. It is a church that has grown with the changes in culture without losing its firm footing in scripture and tradition. The stories in this book are relatable to many of us who have come into the Episcopal church from our Roman roots. The reason I gave it only 4 stars is because I felt some of the stories were a bit long winded or wordy and I zoned out a few times.

[Beth Medvedev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read as someone whose parents became Episcopalian after leaving the Catholic Church but moved to a rural area with few options, where we spent time in various Protestant denominations until I requested that we attend the Catholic Church at 13 as mainstream Protestant services were not for me. Moving to a city in my adult life I was able to find plenty of Episcopalian churches which fits much more with my values and ethos and views of Christianity.

[Charles Cowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories told in this book are very interesting, but Webber does much editorializing. Webber pushes a strong agenda, which becomes apparent in the Introduction where he espouses a "third branch" theory of Anglicanism. Webber's commentary aside, this book was helpful in hearing voices of former Roman Catholics who can share the joys of the Episcopal Church without disparaging the Roman Catholic Church.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this look at why Roman Catholics have left and joined the Episcopal Church. A lot of them, priests included, were very upset about the Vatican's official stance banning birth control for Roman Catholics, how relevant to the times we live in today. A great enjoyable read and awesome to see connections between my own journey away from the Roman Catholic Church and into the Episcopal Church.

[Stan Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories of people leaving RCC for EC, but the book relies heavily on examples of ordained clergy making the switch. There is a long-windedness in his writing that I found off-putting. Ironically, this book makes me appreciate some of the warts and brokenness of my remaining Roman Catholic.

[Clint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book which, while principally authored and collated by an Episcopal priest, has its strength in relaying the stories of those who grew up in the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) but found that The Episcopal Church (TEC) was their true spiritual home. While those whose stories are told don't bash the RCC, they don't shy away from saying that while they often still find much to like about the RCC (and find many similarities between it and TEC), there are just enough different things about TEC that made them feel more spiritually complete and closer to God than they had in a very long time. I personally relate to this. I could say more but invite you to read the book for yourself. Please note that the book cover here is from an older edition. The current edition of the cover is mostly light blue with text and a picture of the doors of an individual Episcopal church on the cover.

[Joey Dye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could relate with many of these stories.