What is the main difference between episcopalian and catholic? The former allows women to be priests while the latter only men are allowed to be priests.
Human society has a strong foundation from religion and beliefs. These fundamentals help people connect with divine spirits and seek forgiveness of their sins.
But religion is complex and challenging to break down into simpler forms. The debate has resulted in theological conflicts among many believers around the world.
The theological difference is the main reason behind the conversion from one religion to another. The conversion practice is also spearheaded by the personal choice and desires of their souls.
Christianity is the most practiced religion in the world. It has unique values from other religions that were mainly used during colonization.
Keep in mind that religious conversion is due to influence from other religious practices and political affiliations. The rule of thumb is that no religion is superior to the other. Spread love and peace.
This article provides detailed insight into the differences between episcopal and catholic in a tabular form. Take the time also to read through their similarities.
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Difference Between Episcopalian and Catholic With Table
Basic Terms | Episcopalian | Catholic |
Origin | It is an American branch of the world Anglican Church. | Roman province of Judea. |
Authority | No popes. Only bishops and priests. | Have a centralized authority of the pope. |
Women | Women are allowed to be priests. | Women are not allowed to be priests and bishops. |
Confession | Not important. | Mandatory. |
Birth Control | Allowed. | Not allowed. |
Priests Marriages | Allowed | Not allowed. |
Clergy | Holy orders of deacons, priests, and bishops. | Holy orders of deacons, monks, nuns, priests, and bishops. Archbishops, cardinal, and pope are offices. |
Legislation | General convection of the Episcopalian Church of the USA. | Canon Law, diocesan Law, Papal Decree. |
Founder | St. Augustine | St. Peter the apostle. |
Marriage | Ideal for both heterosexual and homosexual couples. | Sacramental for one man and one woman. |
Geographical Dominance | Limited in the United States of America. | All over the world. |
Virtues of Religion | Love and grace of God | Love |
Offshoot Religions | Puritan Separatists | Protestant denominations and many others. |
Position of Mary | Mother of God in Christ | The queen of all saints. |
Original Languages | English | Latin and Greek; Aramaic, Hebrew. |
Authority of Pope | Recognize as bishop of Rome without jurisdiction. | The successor of St. peter. |
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What Is Episcopalian?
It is Anglican Communion who are regarded as both Catholics and Protestants. The belief in the old churches is the reason behind the consideration as Catholics. The freedom to reformation makes them protestant.
The Episcopalians believe in water baptism through the son, father, and holy spirit. It is also a channel that makes an individual become a full member of the holy catholic apostolic church.
The Episcopalian church came into existence about the 16th century when the church of England broke away from the Roman Catholic Church due to political and theological differences.
But Episcopalians have unique beliefs and practices than Catholics. The church does not believe in the authority of the pope and the practice of celibacy.
Making confession is a normal routine among Episcopalian members. It is mandatory for every episcopalian member to make a confession of their sins.
Jesus Christ is the Messiah who sacrifice to save human beings from their sins. The founder of Episcopalian Church is Jesus Christ St. Augustine.
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What Is Catholic?
Catholic is a Christian denomination. The catholic church has the largest number of followers from across the world compare to other Christian denominations.
The Catholic church believes in God as the maker of the earth and heaven with all the living things and non-living things.
Sacrament confession is the main practice of the Catholic denomination. Research shows that the catholic church preserved the bible and other religious writings for centuries.
Catholic belief in the authority of the pope. The members can pray through the saints and ask for forgiveness of their sins. The saints are also the patron of catholic routine activities.
Holy Communion is only given to the catholic church members. Catholic discourages the use of birth control, women priests or bishops, and marriage among priests or pope.
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Main Difference between Episcopalian and Catholic
- Episcopalian women can be priests and bishops. Catholic women cannot be priests and bishops.
- Episcopalians do not believe in the authority of the pope. Catholic belief in the authority of the pope.
- Episcopalians believe in the marriage of priests and bishops. Catholics do not believe in the marriage of priests and bishops.
- Episcopalians allow the use of birth controls while Catholics do not believe in the use of birth controls.
- Episcopalians do not practice sacramental confession while Catholics have a mandatory sacramental confession.
Similarities between Episcopalian and Catholic
- Both are Christian denominations.
- Both believe in sin confession.
- Both belief in the trinity.
- Both clergy dress in unique robes.
- Both pray through saints, Mary, and angels.
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In Conclusion
Both episcopalian and catholic are Christian denominations. The main difference between episcopalian and catholic is that the former are more liberals while the latter are hold that women should never use birth controls.
Catholic Church is regarded as the main branch of Christianity. But Episcopalian came into existence after breaking away from the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church due to political and theological differences.
More Sources and References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)
- https://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/28/world/episcopal-church-fast-facts/index.html
- https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/what-catholics-must-understand-about-anglicanism
- https://www.christianity.com/church/denominations/10-things-christians-should-know-about-the-episcopal-church-history-and-beliefs.html