St.
Mark's is an Episcopal Church. The
Episcopal Church is the American descendant of the Church of England
and is part of the
worldwide Anglican Communion.
The Episcopal Church represents a balance of Roman Catholic traditions
with the insights of the Protestant Reformation, making it one
of the more inclusive denominations of the Christian family. The
Episcopal Church maintains the historic three-fold ministry of
bishops, priests and deacons. These ministries include married
and single persons, both male and female
The
word "episcopal" refers to overseeing by a bishop.
This concept first started in New Testament times. Today,
our bishops are the successors to the apostles, and are a visible
symbol of the continuity of the faith we hold with the first apostles.
Beyond
Arkansas, St. Mark's is part of the Episcopal Church in the United
States. Our roots are in the Church of England congregations
in the American colonies. Many of the Founding Fathers of
this country were also leaders in the organization of the Episcopal
Church in America. It is not surprising, therefore, that
our church's constitution, canon law, and the structure of our
deliberative bodies resemble the national Constitution and legislative
structures.
Outside
of our national borders, we are part of the worldwide Anglican
Communion, with its spiritual center in the Church of England.
All Anglican Churches share a heritage and theology that find
their source in the uniqueness of the English religious experience.
The Book of Common Prayer, our fundamental liturgical resource,
along with a deeply held commitment to the historic Christian
faith in scripture, creed, ministry, and sacraments are the foundations
of that experience.
Self
descriptions aside, the best way to understand the Episcopal Church
is to enter its life. Go to its services and follow the
Prayer Book. The Episcopal Church is most of all a worshiping
church. The worship of Almighty God - and the impact such worship
has on our relationship with the rest of creation - is finally
the one great work of the Church and the one great argument for
its existence.
For
more information on the Episcopal Church, see Links.
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Comments by Bishop Benfield on March meeting of the House of Bishops
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