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Happy Episcopalian Turns Evangelical
(A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Southern Cone)

I love being an Episcopalian! Joining this great church of ours some thirty years ago is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Strangely, however, of late I seem to have turned somewhat evangelical. As a pathologically shy Anglo-Catholic, I make a rather curious evangelical . . . but then, these are curious times.

I intend to remain in the Episcopal Church yet find myself at a parish in which the clergy and my fellow parishioners seem poised to leave. I like and respect my rector, and I care deeply for my fellow parishioners; even though we may end up in different parishes I want to remain in relationship with them. Parish relationships are precious, and I intend to remain in my parish so long as we all remain part of the Episcopal Church. Those of us who intend to remain Episcopalians have a special ministry during this time to those who are undecided. Our prayerful, gentle but unwavering commitment to the Episcopal Church in their midst is critical right now—and it can be a very powerful witness!

At the same time, a friend and I have begun hosting Evening Prayer and fellowship in our community each month. Our group is welcoming and very positive; while we discuss current events in the diocese, we don't engage in disrespectful dialogue about our bishop or those who favor leaving our beloved church. Instead we pray for them, and we prayerfully support each other. We try to be a gentle and inviting place for those who know they want to remain Episcopalians as well as those still trying to figure out what to do.

We started by placing several ads in local papers and by contacting a few friends we knew would remain Episcopalians. Although we had no idea what to expect, we hoped to find a few others in my community who are still trying to decide, and we thought perhaps we just needed to find each other. We were delighted when over a dozen people attended the first gathering! As word has spread, more are joining us—folks who formerly thought they were virtually alone.

If you want to remain Episcopalian but find yourself in a minority where you worship, I hope you will stay as long in your parish as you can comfortably do so. But I also hope you will consider a prayer and fellowship gathering in your area. The support you could give and receive through a faith community is quite powerful. My name is Victoria Prescott. Please feel free to contact me at victoria@rahenderson.com. I’ll be delighted to help you.

(Note: more information on Faith Communities may be found on the Q&A page.)