Episcopalians are sometimes described as a “people of the book.” This title derives from the fact that our worship comes from the Book of Common Prayer 1979. It serves as a symbol of our unity, for when we pray, we pray with the world and for the world. We are many and diverse, coming together in Christ through our worship, and our common prayer both nationally and internationally. As a people of God, we aim to live according to our Baptismal Covenant.
We are also a sacramental people, seeing that God is always at work around us. Our sacraments, “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace.”(BCP 857), include:
Baptism (the adoption by which God makes us members of Christ’s body), pp.858, Book of Common Prayer
The Holy Eucharist ( the sacrament commanded by Christ in remembrance of his life, death and resurrection), pp.859, Book of Common Prayer
Confirmation (the affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419, Book of Common Prayer
Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452, Book of Common Prayer
Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438, Book of Common Prayer
Holy Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555, Book of Common Prayer
Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467, Book of Common Prayer
Additional information about Episcopalians and the Episcopal Church can be found here.