You do not have to join the Episcopal Church in a formal way in order to worship, attend classes or participate in activities. You may also donate support for the ministries of the church without becoming a member. Any baptized Christian - adult or child - may receive Holy Communion in an Episcopal Church.
The Episcopal Church is a vital and growing body of Christians who value Scripture, Tradition and Reason, and deeply enjoy sharing together in the transformative risen life of Jesus Christ, our Lord. We warmly invite you to join us in this journey.
“Becoming a member” can mean different things to different people:
- You may seek to “become a Christian” in a publicly recognized way.
- You may seek to “belong” to the Episcopal Church in a general sense.
- You may seek to “join” a particular local congregation.
Whichever of these or other intentions you may have, an Episcopal cleric can help you begin the process. Please review the various scenarios below in order to discern the path that may be appropriate in your circumstances.
What does being a member of an Episcopal church require?
All membership in the Episcopal Church rests on a public affirmation of membership and Holy Baptism.
What if I am already baptized?
Any person baptized in any church with water in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit may register with any Episcopal congregation to be counted as a baptized member. Again, all baptized Christians are welcome to partake of Holy Communion. A baptized member of an Episcopal church who receives Holy Communion at least three times a year is considered a communicant member.
What if I was baptized in another Episcopal parish?
Those whose baptisms have been registered in the Episcopal Church are considered baptized members. Upon reaching 16 years of age, baptized members are considered adult members.
What if I am presently a member of another Episcopal parish?
If you are presently a member of another Episcopal parish, you can transfer your membership to a new parish. Provide the parish office of the church you would like to join with the name and location of the former church and the approximate dates of your membership. If you were confirmed there, provide the approximate date of your confirmation. The church will then send for a letter of transfer.
What if I am from another Anglican church?
If you are from another province of the Anglican Communion, for example a confirmed Anglican from the Church of England or the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (Episcopal Church in Japan), you may become a baptized member of any Episcopal church. Provide the parish office with your birth date and place, baptismal date and place, and confirmation date, place, and bishop.
What if I am coming from another denomination or church?
If you are seeking to join the Episcopal Church from another Christian church or denomination, and if you have been baptized with water and in the name of the Trinity, you may become a baptized member of the Episcopal Church by having your birth date and place and baptismal date and place duly recorded in the register of an Episcopal church congregation.
What if I have not been baptized?
If you have not been baptized, contact the parish office of your local church or speak with one of the clergy to arrange a baptism. Baptisms are done at regularly scheduled services on the feast days specified by the Book of Common Prayer (the Baptism of Our Lord, the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, and All Saints). Anyone baptized in an Episcopal Church is a baptized member.
What about Confirmation?
It is expected that all adult members of the Episcopal Church will be confirmed at some point. Confirmation is when we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Any baptized adult is eligible.
What about being "Received" into the Episcopal Church, also known as "Reception?"
Persons who have been confirmed in another denomination by a bishop in the apostolic succession (most often Roman Catholic or Orthodox) or baptized in another tradition as adults are Received into the Episcopal by a bishop. Persons are also Received who are from churches in "full communion" with the Episcopal Church. Confirmations and receptions occur at a local congregation during the Bishop’s visitation or at regular "regional" services planned throughout the year for this purpose. Consult with the clergy of your local Episcopal church if you are interested in Confirmation or Reception. Classes for those preparing for confirmation or reception are led by clergy and often begin six or more weeks before the Bishop’s visitation.
Those who have been Confirmed or Received are classified as Confirmed Communicant Members.
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What is expected of members of an Episcopal Church?
In our Book of Common Prayer we read that the duty of all Christians is to “follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.”
We expect members to follow Christ, who is for all believers both an example and a source of spiritual strength.
We expect members to attend weekly worship services of Holy Eucharist on a regular basis.
We also expect members to explore ways they can contribute their talents and gifts to the life of their local congregation, including identifying a particular measure of financial support to give to the common work and ministry of the congregation, at a level they themselves discern.
We invite you to consider membership in an Episcopal church of the Diocese of Michigan. If you have questions about the membership process please do not hesitate to contact the clergy in charge of your local congregation.
Thanks to the clergy and people of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Yonkers, New York, for much of the content provided above.