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The Episcopal Church (TEC), based in the United States with additional dioceses elsewhere, is a member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is a mainline Protestant denomination and is divided into nine provinces. The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church is Michael Bruce Curry, the first African American bishop to serve in that position. As of 2022, the Episcopal Church had 1,584,785 members, of whom 1,432,082 were in the United States. In 2011, it was the nation's 14th largest denomination. In 2015, Pew Research estimated that 1.2 percent of the adult population in the United States, or 3 million people, self-identify as mainline Episcopalians. The church has recorded a regular decline in membership and Sunday attendance since the 1960s, particularly in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. The church was organized after the American Revolution, when it became separate from the Church of England, whose clergy are required to swear allegiance to the British monarch as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The Episcopal Church describes itself as "Protestant, yet catholic" and asserts apostolic succession, tracing its bishops back to the apostles via holy orders. The 1979 Book of Common Prayer, a collection of rites, blessings, liturgies, and prayers used throughout the Anglican Communion, is central to Episcopal worship. A broad spectrum of theological views is represented within the Episcopal Church, including evangelical, Anglo-Catholic, and broad church views. Historically, the members of the Episcopal Church have played leadership roles in many aspects of American life, including politics, business, science, the arts, and education. About three-quarters of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were affiliated with the Episcopal Church, and over a quarter of all Presidents of the United States have been Episcopalians. Historically, Episcopalians were overrepresented among American scientific elite and Nobel Prize winners. Numbers of the most wealthy and affluent American families, such as Boston Brahmin, Old Philadelphians, Tidewater, and Lowcountry gentry or old money, are Episcopalians. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Episcopalians were active in the Social Gospel movement. Since the 1960s and 1970s, the church has pursued a more liberal Christian course; there remains a wide spectrum of liberals and conservatives within the church. In 2015, the church's 78th triennial General Convention passed resolutions allowing the blessing of same-sex marriages and approved two official liturgies to bless such unions. It has opposed the death penalty and supported the civil rights movement. The church calls for the full legal equality of LGBT people. In view of this trend, the conventions of four dioceses of the Episcopal Church voted in 2007 and 2008 to leave that church and to join the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone of America. Twelve other jurisdictions, serving an estimated 100,000 persons at that time, formed the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) on December 3–4, 2008. The Anglican Church in North America and the Episcopal Church are not in full communion with one another. Names "The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America" (PECUSA) and "The Episcopal Church" (TEC) are both official names specified in the church's constitution. The latter is much more commonly used. In other languages, an equivalent is used. For example, in Spanish, the church is called Iglesia Episcopal Protestante de los Estados Unidos de América or Iglesia Episcopal, and in French Église protestante épiscopale des États-Unis d'Amérique or Église épiscopale. Until 1964, "The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America" was the only official name in use. In the 19th century, high church members advocated changing the name, which they felt did not acknowledge the church's catholic heritage. They were opposed by the church's evangelical wing, which felt that the "Protestant Episcopal" label accurately reflected the Reformed character of Anglicanism. After 1877, alternative names were regularly proposed and rejected by the General Convention. One proposed alternative was "the American Catholic Church". By the 1960s, opposition to dropping the word "Protestant" had largely subsided. In a 1964 General Convention compromise, priests and lay delegates suggested adding a preamble to the church's constitution, recognizing "The Episcopal Church" as a lawful alternate designation while still retaining the earlier name. The 66th General Convention voted in 1979 to use the name "The Episcopal Church" in the Oath of Conformity of the Declaration for Ordination. The evolution of the name can be seen in the church's Book of Common Prayer. In the 1928 BCP, the title page read, "According to the use of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America", whereas on the title page of the 1979 BCP it states, "According to the use of The Episcopal Church". "The Episcopal Church in the United States of America" (ECUSA) has never been an official name of the church but is an alternative commonly seen in English. Since several other churches in the Anglican Communion also use the name "Episcopal", including Scotland and the Philippines, some, for example the Anglicans Online directory, add the phrase "in the United States of America". The full legal name of the national church corporate body is the "Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America", which was incorporated by the legislature of New York and established in 1821. The membership of the corporation "shall be considered as comprehending all persons who are members of the Church". This should not be confused with the name of the church itself, as it is a distinct body relating to church governance. History Colonial era The Episcopal Church has its origins in the Church of England in the American colonies, and it stresses continuity with the early universal Western Church and claims to maintain apostolic succession (while the Scandinavian Lutheran and Moravian churches accept this claim, the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches do not recognize this claim). The first parish was founded in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607, under the charter of the Virginia Company of London. The tower of Jamestown Church (c. 1639–43) is one of the oldest surviving Anglican church structures in the United States. The Jamestown church building itself is a modern reconstruction. Although no American Anglican bishops existed in the colonial era, the Church of England had an official status in several colonies, which meant that local governments paid tax money to local parishes, and the parishes handled some civic functions. The Church of England was designated the established church in Virginia in 1609, in New York in 1693, in Maryland in 1702, in South Carolina in 1706, in North Carolina in 1730, and in Georgia in 1758..... Discover the Church Publishing popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Church Publishing books.
Best Seller Church Publishing Books of 2024
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For Women Who Are Called By Women Who Have Answered
Kim HaneyThe realistic, and genuinely spiritual voices that speak through these pages are from women who have answered the call. The call of God has not just been a part their life, it has ...
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More Than Grasshoppers
Lee Ann AlexanderWho are you? This ageold question haunts people of every walk of life as we seek to understand our identity and purpose. This book answers that question in a fresh, engaging approa...
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Handbook on the Gospels
Jeffrey BrickleThe Handbook on the Gospels is part of the eightvolume Apostolic Handbook Series. The author takes us on a journey of multiple expeditions throughout the ancient Mediterranean worl...
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You Can Understand the Bible
Daniel L. SegravesAre you ever puzzled about the meaning of a Bible verse? Learn specific principles to understand the Bible as clearly as those who first read it.
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Leading Growth
Dr. Eugene T. WilsonChurch growth is more than a bigger building or more people walking through the doors. Real church growth starts with individuals. This book challenges us to rethink church growth ...
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The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming
Rich LuhrThe complete "quick start" guide to owning and using an Airstream travel trailer. Written by the Publisher of AIRSTREAM LIFE magazine.
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My Hair My Glory
Juli JasinskiAn informative study of the significance of a lady's hair. This study will strengthen your conviction and firmly conclude the issue of uncut hair on women. Also available in Spanis...
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Preparing for a Wedding in the Episcopal Church
Tobias Stanislas HallerResource for clergy to give/use with couples seeking to be wed in an Episcopal ChurchMany couples come to an Episcopal Church seeking a place to hold their wedding ceremony because...
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The Great Commission
Raymond F. CulpepperThis book is a gold mine of ideas for fulfilling the Great Commission. The illustrations capture the imagination, and the practical ideas can be developed for any setting. It is co...
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Bill Drost The Pentecost
Bill Drost, Mike Wieteska & Lorna WieteskaThe exciting and inspirational story of Bill Drost, a man called of God to be a missionary to South America and then Spain. You will marvel at the miracles in this man's life.
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A Failure of Nerve
Edwin H. FriedmanAn invitation and guide for leaders “to cast a courageous and imaginative vision, to lead resiliently, and to be present and steady in times of deep anxiety.” Ed Friedman’s genius ...
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Justification and the Holy Spirit
David K. BernardA scholarly investigation of the important biblical doctrine of justification, focusing particularly on the work of the Holy Spirit in justification. It integrates Christian initia...
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Pursuing Holiness
David K. BernardPursuing Holiness is a new book and small group resource by General Superintendent David K. Bernard developed from In Search of Holiness and Practical Holiness. The Bible calls fol...
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Life Preaching
Jonathan McClintockFeaturing interviews with preachers such as Tom Foster, Stan Gleason, T. F. Tenney, Claudette Walker, Raymond Woodward, and many more, Life Preaching "presents preaching from the h...
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Transforming Vocation
Sam PortaroAt once “travel guide” and vision for the future, the Transformation series is good news for the Episcopal Church at a time of fast and furious demographic and social change. Serie...
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Handbook on the Epistles of Paul
Jeremy PainterIn the second volume of the Apostolic Handbook Series, Handbook on the Epistles of Paul, Jeremy Painter’s insightful commentary takes the reader through an inductive study of the l...
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Beyond a Binary God
Tara K. SoughersAll are made in the image and likeness of God. If this is what we believe, then trans people, like all people, reflect something of God, and not just in the ways that they share in...
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The Church Cracked Open
Stephanie Spellers"This book will make a profound difference for the church in this moment in history." The Most Reverend Michael B. CurrySometimes it takes disruption and loss to break us open and ...
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Living Loved
Peter M. WallaceShort, inspiring lessons and prayers based on John’s gospelA devotional book of meditations based on specific verses or passages from the Gospel of John. It uses the highly acclaim...
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Five Reasons Churches Thrive
Eugene WilsonWhy do some churches thrive and others struggle? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could snap your fingers and instantly create a thriving church? The reality is that church health i...
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We Preach
Jerry JonesThis book sets out to answer some fundamental questions regarding Apostolic preaching: What is preaching? Why do we preach? Is our preaching biblical? Is it still relevant today? J...
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Annual Interpretative Expository 2021-2022
Church Of God In Christ Publishing HouseSunday School across America is on a decline. Biblical literacy is at an unprecedented low amongst believers, and it seems as if there is no end to where this could lead to in our ...
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Handbook on the Prophets
David P. JohnsonThe Handbook on the Prophets is part of the eightvolume Apostolic Handbook Series. In this volume, Jared Runck presents a broad survey of the five books of the Major Prophets while...
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Church Of God In Christ
Church Of God In Christ Publishing House52 Bible Study Lessons for Christian Teaching and Growth
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Integrity
Richard M. DavisLiving with integrity is one the most important qualities in every minister's life. Jesus Christ modeled integrity in all that He did and said. The ethical principles He demonstrat...
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HalfGospel
Joel StockstillWhen will we see our nation shaken by a fresh move of God’s precious Spirit? When will the culture around us be forced to recognize a holiness that is truly “other worldly”? When w...
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Handbook on the Psalms and Wisdom Literature
Jeremy PainterThe Handbook on the Psalms and Wisdom Literature is part of the eightvolume Apostolic Handbook Series. Starting with his opening allegory on the oftendifficult relationship between...
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Handbook on the Book of Acts
Robin JohnstonThe Handbook on the Book of Acts is part of the eightvolume Apostolic Handbook Series. In this handbook, the author “thoroughly examines how we should read and study Acts so as to ...
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Beyond the Mist
Tim M. HillBeyond the Mist is more than a book. It is the cry of a church leader, the prayer of a pastor, and the motto of an evangelist. For more than thirty years, Tim Hill has led many int...
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Model Man
Larry StockstillIn this confused, chaotic world, men are looking to find a model man: a man who possesses the qualities of integrity, purity, pace of life, purpose, a model marriage, model childre...
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The Hospitality of God
Mary Gray-Reeves & Michael PerhamWhat happens when two bishops known for their liturgical sensibilities travel to study alternative Christian communities on two continents? Bishops Mary GrayReeves and Michael Per...
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Anchor Points
David K. BernardSecuring a ship to a dock requires several mooring lines, or anchor points. Spiritually speaking, these anchor points represent the essential beliefs to which we secure our lives a...
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Blessed Are
LJ Harry“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Thus begins the famous words of Jesus known as the Beatitudes. There are eight such sayings, each beginning w...
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Spiritual Disciplines
Robin JohnstonSpiritual growth is a normal process for every spiritually healthy Christian believer. Though it takes time and effort to follow the spiritual disciplines outlined in this book, th...
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Church Of God In Christ Official Manual
C.F. Range, Jr.The Church Of God In Christ Official Manual is an informative doctrinal and disciplinary handbook. Gives guidelines for conduct and attire for both ministry and laity.
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Follow to Lead
Stan O. GleasonJesus’ command to “go make disciples” is the foundational precept of the Great Commission. Pastor Stan Gleason explores the church’s critical mandate to make disciples from biblica...
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Churchwork
Rodney ShawThis study guide walks readers through strategic questions and answers based on material from Rodney Shaw’s popular book, Churchwork. Designed for personal or group study, the guid...
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Handbook on the General Epistles and Revelation
Jeffrey BrickleThe Handbook on the General Epistles and Revelation is part of the eightvolume Apostolic Handbook Series. In this volume, Jeremy Painter brings his creative pen and deep insight to...
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2017-2018 Annual Sunday School Lesson Commentary
COGIC Publishing HouseThe Annual Lesson Commentary is a part of the Power for Living Series. It provides the instructor with a 52week comprehensive guide of the International Sunday School curriculum, w...
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Book of Common Prayer Basic Pew Edition
Church PublishingThis hardcover is designed for regular use and has a sturdy binding and a cover that lies flat. Choice of black or red. 5 x 7 with a 9 point font size. This is the standard Book of...
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They Found the Secret
V. Raymond EdmanExplore the lives of twenty Christian figures whose powerful testimonies and lives of service will inspire you to embrace Christ as the secret to abundant living.Written by V. Raym...
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YPWW Adult Winter 2012
James WhiteheadThe Adult YPWW Topic literature is a comprehensive discussion of issues that the parents, and grandparents of today’s youth must address. It’s pertinent subject matter will open th...