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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Originates from England.
Originated in the United States.
Name Meaning
Relating to England or its church
Relating to bishops.
Governance
Varies globally.
Led by bishops.
Cultural Influence
Varies widely globally.
Primarily American influence.
Global Presence
Worldwide, in various forms.
Predominantly in the United States
Compare with Definitions
Anglican
Anglican pertains to being related to or denoting the Church of England.
The Anglican clergy gathered for the yearly synod.
Episcopal
Episcopal refers to a church governed by bishops.
The Episcopal Church places a significant emphasis on the bishop’s authority.
Anglican
Anglican sometimes refers to a member of the Anglican Church.
Anglicans worldwide celebrate Easter at the same time.
Episcopal
Episcopal pertains to the American branch of the Anglican Communion.
Episcopal churches in the USA participate in numerous social justice initiatives.
Anglican
Anglican can describe something as having characteristics of English culture or tradition.
The Anglican traditions were observed during the ceremony.
Episcopal
Episcopal may refer to a member of the Episcopal Church.
Episcopalians often engage in community service and outreach programs.
Anglican
Anglican refers to the Church of England and its global affiliates.
The Anglican Communion represents millions of Christians worldwide.
Episcopal
Episcopal can relate to the structure and hierarchy involving bishops.
The Episcopal governance model has been adopted by various Christian denominations.
Anglican
Anglican may denote the doctrines, practices, and liturgies of the Church of England.
The Anglican liturgy is practiced in churches worldwide.
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.
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.
Episcopal
Of or relating to a bishop.
Anglican
(Archaic) Of or relating to England or the English.
Episcopal
Of, relating to, or involving church government by bishops.
Anglican
A member of the Church of England or of any of the churches related to it.
Episcopal
Episcopal Of or relating to the Episcopal Church.
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.
Episcopal
Of or relating to the affairs of a bishop in various Christian churches.
Anglican
Pertaining to, characteristic of, or held by, the high church party of the Church of England.
Episcopal
Governed by bishops; as, an episcopal church.
Anglican
A member of the Church of England.
Whether Catholics, Anglicans, or Calvinists.
Episcopal
Belonging to, or vested in, bishops; as, episcopal jurisdiction or authority; the episcopal system.
Anglican
In a restricted sense, a member of the High Church party, or of the more advanced ritualistic section, in the Church of England.
Episcopal
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the Episcopal church;
The Episcopal hierarachy
Married by an Episcopalian minister
Anglican
A Protestant who is a follower of Anglicanism
Episcopal
Denoting or governed by or relating to a bishop or bishops
Anglican
Of or pertaining to or characteristic of the Anglican church;
An Anglican Bishop
Common Curiosities
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.
Are Anglican and Episcopal churches Protestant?
Yes, both Anglican and Episcopal churches are considered Protestant, although they retain many liturgical elements of Catholicism.
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.
How is the Anglican Church governed?
Governance in the Anglican Communion can vary but typically involves a structure with archbishops, bishops, priests, and deacons.
What does "Anglican" mean?
Anglican pertains to the Church of England and its global affiliates.
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.
Can Anglican priests get married?
Yes, in the Anglican tradition, priests can marry and have children.
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.
Where does the term "Episcopal" originate?
Episcopal originates from the Greek word "episkopos," which means overseer or bishop.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How does the Episcopal Church view social issues?
The Episcopal Church is generally considered progressive, often advocating for social justice and inclusivity.
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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.
