Several times in the last few months I have been asked this question: What is the difference between Episcopalians and Catholics? We seem to be so similar in our worship---priests, vestments, liturgy, weekly communion, etc. Catholics, Christians from other denominations, Jews, and even some Episcopalians have asked me this question. Since I think the differences are important, I have a response that I think is helpful to the questioner and respectful to Roman Catholics. Here is my answer in five p’s:

Pope. The Roman Church has a pope; Episcopalians do not. Both churches are governed by bishops, but the Bishop of Rome is supreme authority in the Catholic Church. In the Episcopal Church, our bishops govern collegially with each other and with priests and laypersons. And, while the Archbishop of Canterbury is symbol of our unity, he does not have authority over us.

Presence. Both Episcopalians and Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. Catholics believe this happens by transubstantiation---the bread and wine appear to be unchanged to the human senses, but in their essence they are the body and blood of Christ. While Episcopalians have a range of beliefs about how this happens, most believe that Jesus is present spiritually but not physically in the bread and wine. Article XXVIII in the original Articles of Religion for the Church of England says clearly that transubstantiation is not an Anglican doctrine (BCP, p.873).

Prayer. Both Episcopalians and Catholics believe in veneration of saints, but they differ on prayer to those saints. The Church of Rome believes that saints can have an intercessory role, especially the Blessed Virgin Mary. Episcopalians, on the other hand, believe the saints are only examples and encouragement to us in our earthly pilgrimage. Article XXII puts it this way: “…and Invocation of Saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God” (BCP, p.872).

Priests. Both churches have priests (from the Greek word presbuteros, “elder”) who preside over the Word and Sacraments. In fact, we are often mistaken for each other. That is, until we introduce our wife or a woman priest. Catholic priests are all male and take a vow of celibacy, while Episcopal priests may be male or female, married or single. And many Episcopal priests have children, just like most of their parishioners. In the end, this makes a huge difference.

Purgatory. The Roman Church believes in purgatory; Episcopalians do not. This is probably the most important theological difference between the two churches. For a Catholic, purgatory is where you go after death until you are purified and made fit for heaven. For Episcopalians, the work of Christ on the cross is what makes you fit for heaven, not some period spent in purgatory.

Fr. David Montzingo