episcopal church: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No, they are separate provinces of the Anglican Communion. The Episcopal Church is the Anglican province in the United States, while the Church of England is the established church in England. They share a common heritage and are in communion with each other.

Yes, as a common noun, it can refer to any Christian tradition that employs an episcopal polity (governance by bishops), such as the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Churches, and some Lutheran churches. The capitalised term usually specifies an Anglican church.

'Episcopal' is primarily used as an adjective for the institution (e.g., the Episcopal Church, Episcopal diocese). 'Episcopalian' is commonly used as a noun for a member (e.g., 'She is an Episcopalian') or as a related adjective (e.g., 'Episcopalian beliefs').

After the American Revolution, Anglicans in the new United States chose a name that reflected their form of governance (episcopal) rather than a geographic tie to England, to distinguish themselves from the Church of England. The term also connected them to the historic episcopate.

A Christian church governed by bishops, based on the episcopal system of church governance.

Episcopal church is usually formal, religious, academic in register.

Episcopal church: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪskəpəl tʃɜːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪskəpəl tʃɜːrtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.