ok to be a conservative Episcopalian?

[Anonymous]

I have a friend who insists it is, and I don't think the church cares one way or the other, but I'm not sure. What does DCUM say?

[Anonymous]

There are plenty of conservative Episcopalians (including entire congregations). There are also plenty of Catholic Democrats. Why would the church care?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are plenty of conservative Episcopalians (including entire congregations). There are also plenty of Catholic Democrats. Why would the church care?

I'm just starting to feel uncomfortable with my different beliefs (specifically regarding abortion and same sex marriage). I know the Catholic Church isn't technically ok with Catholics having different views on those things, and since I'm a newish Episcopalian, I wasn't sure if it was similar. I don't much care what the church's official stance on certain social issues is as long as I can believe what I believe with regards to those things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are plenty of conservative Episcopalians (including entire congregations). There are also plenty of Catholic Democrats. Why would the church care?

I'm just starting to feel uncomfortable with my different beliefs (specifically regarding abortion and same sex marriage). I know the Catholic Church isn't technically ok with Catholics having different views on those things, and since I'm a newish Episcopalian, I wasn't sure if it was similar. I don't much care what the church's official stance on certain social issues is as long as I can believe what I believe with regards to those things.

I highly doubt anyone in the Episcopalian church is going to quiz you on your beliefs. Most churches will not (including the Catholic Church). I believe the Mormons get quizzed by their bishops but we won't open that can of crazy.

Are you thinking someone is going to find out you are more conservative and ask you to leave the Episcopalian Church?

[Anonymous]

Could be more clear on what you mean by a conservative Episcopalian?

[Anonymous]

I'm an Episcopalian. You will find all types of communities with a wide range of beliefs on social issues. From my experience the conservative person is not shunned but may feel uncomfortable. Just find a community you feel cared for and accepted in.

[Anonymous]

Hi Paleoconprep

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi Paleoconprep

This OP doesn't sound like Paleoconprep to me.

[Anonymous]

My mother is very conservative. Although she's fine with marriage equality. You are certainly allowed to believe what you want. The church has some core beliefs, like the Nicene and Apostles' Creed, that are pretty fundamental to being an Episcopalian. But it's been my experience that Episcopalians think deeply about scripture, are always learning, and most importantly, are always exploring and deepening their personal relationship with God. And when that happens, people don't always agree on things. That's fine.

[Anonymous]

You could also join an Anglican congregation. I am a conservative Lutheran who would love to join a LCMS congregation, but I stick with the ELCA because of my husband.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are plenty of conservative Episcopalians (including entire congregations). There are also plenty of Catholic Democrats. Why would the church care?

I'm just starting to feel uncomfortable with my different beliefs (specifically regarding abortion and same sex marriage). I know the Catholic Church isn't technically ok with Catholics having different views on those things, and since I'm a newish Episcopalian, I wasn't sure if it was similar. I don't much care what the church's official stance on certain social issues is as long as I can believe what I believe with regards to those things.

If I'm interpreting that you oppose same sex marriage, you may feel more comfortable in an Anglican parish. The main Episcopal church has pretty much declared where it stands on that, and that is inclusion and equal participation. It doesn't mean that you would be shunned, but you will definitely be an outlier. However, your feelings would likely be "respected". I've never heard our priest (or priests in other Epsicopal churches I've attended) talk about abortion one way or the other - not a top-tier issue. Feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, etc - very much a concern.

Episcopalians are not a confrontational bunch, though. You won't be quizzed on your belief structure.

[Anonymous]

I agree with a pp. Consider joining an Anglican Church. Not sure why you wouldn't just join a church that actually aligns with your beliefs on these matters.

[Anonymous]

We don't live in DC anymore, and an Anglican church isn't an option where we live.

As long as I am not shunned - and it's not like I'm vocal about my views anyway - I am ok. Our priest doesn't even touch on political-type topics, but still sometimes I wonder. Our parish definitely focuses more on poverty and homelessness though.

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

YMMV and obviously every church is different but I've found Episcopalians to be very welcoming.

My sister's family are members of an Episcopalian Church and they are heavily involved in their church and their local diocese. The rest of our immediate family is not religious at all. Since her family is so involved in the church, we all end up attending on a not terribly infrequent basis for things like performances, etc. The whole church knows we aren't believers (which I would assume would be a bigger deal than being a believer but having a difference of opinion on certain subjects) but they've always been incredibly welcoming and glad to see the family show up.

I think as long as you aren't disruptive or rude about it, I'd bet no one is going to mind that you have different beliefs.