Episcopal and Anglican

A WORLDWIDE CHURCH:
The Episcopal Church in the United States of America is part of the Anglican Church or Anglican Communion---the worldwide Church of England. The Episcopal Church is one of the 38 independent, self-governing, national and regional churches which make up the Anglican Communion. There are some 70 million Anglicans representing a variety of races, languages, cultures and political conditions. We include more than 64,000 congregations in 164 countries. 

GOD'S GRACE BESTOWED THROUGH WORD AND SACRAMENT:
Episcopalians believe that God's grace (God's love, blessing, forgiveness) is given through God's Word (the Bible) and through  receiving the Sacraments. As one hears and reads the Bible, that person is enlightened and thereby receives God's blessing. As one hears the Bible read in worship and hears biblical teachings in sermons and classes, that person is enlightened and receives God's blessing. In addition God's grace is given by receiving the Sacraments (visible signs and acts which transmit God's blessing). There are two major sacraments: Baptism and the Holy Eucharist (Communion) and five lesser sacraments: Confirmation, Marriage, Penance (Confession of Sin and Absolution), Unction (Anointing the sick with oil and the Laying on of Hands for Healing) and Ordination (the grace of God given to those being ordained to become ministers in the Church).