How Important Is the Bible to Episcopalians?

Letter From the Pastor

Romans 12:2 (CEB) Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.

How Important Is the Bible to Episcopalians?

Summary: The Bible is central to Episcopal worship and life, shaping our prayers, liturgy, and studies, and is best understood through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of community.

People often ask, “If Episcopalians are called People of the Book, is that about the Bible?” Interestingly, the phrase originally referred to the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)—but that book is deeply rooted in Scripture. In fact, nearly every page of the BCP is filled with biblical language, prayers, and themes. It was designed to bring the Bible into daily life and worship.

The Bible is essential to Episcopal worship. The first half of our Sunday service is called the Liturgy of the Word, where we read from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Psalms, an Epistle, and the Gospel—followed by a sermon grounded in those texts. Everything we do in worship flows from and is shaped by Scripture.

We never read the Bible alone—not just because we gather in community, but because we believe the Holy Spirit guides us, and we learn from the wisdom of generations before us. Whether in group settings or personal devotion, we’re shaped by the shared insights of scholars, saints, and fellow seekers.

Looking to dive deeper? I recommend:

·       A Journey Through the Hebrew Scriptures by Frank S. Frick

·       God: A Biography by Jack Miles

·       Who Wrote the Bible by Richard Elliott Friedman

·       Study Bibles like The New Interpreters, HarperCollins,

or Jewish Study Bible

Let Scripture become not just a book you read—but a story you live,

Pastor Anny+

The Rev. Dr. Anny Genato+

Rector

St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church