Glossary

A form of life centered on the practice of poverty, reverence for God’s presence in the world, and appreciating the goodness of creation as a reflection of God’s love. Founded by Francis of Assisi.

Covering for the front of an altar, often made of silk or brocade cloth and matching the liturgical color of the season of the church year.

The mutual recognition of the members and ministry of two or more churches and of the validity of their sacraments. The Episcopal Church is in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Moravian Church (Northern & Southern Provinces), and the Church of Sweden, among others.

In Christianity, a conservative form of evangelical Protestantism rooted in late-19th-century anti-modernism that emphasizes the literal reading of Scripture and strict adherence to a specific code of moral and religious conduct.

A 19th-century American priest and the founder of Episcopal missionary work among the hard of hearing. Feast day: Aug. 27, along with Henry Winter Syle.

A grassy quadrangle or garden surrounded by a cloister walk in a monastery, church, seminary, or college.

The churchwide body, elected by General Convention, overseeing the General Ordination Examinations (GOE). The board prepares and administers the exam given annually to candidates for ordination.

The General Convention is the bicameral legislature and chief policy-making body of The Episcopal Church, consisting of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. The General Convention meets every three years to consider legislation, make policy, hold elections, adopt the churchwide budget, and amend the Constitution and Canons.

An annual test administered by the General Board of Examining Chaplains, encompassing seven broad topics, used to help determine a candidate’s readiness for ordination.

The oldest seminary of The Episcopal Church, founded in New York City in 1817. GTS affiliated with Virginia Theological Seminary in 2022 to share governance, resources, personnel, and programs, while remaining distinct entities.