Defining race and ethnicity

Race is understood as a social construct in which people are grouped according to common biological or physical traits. Ethnicity refers to a person’s shared culture or heritage, distinguished by language, customs, practices, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: The guidance provided below closely follows that of the AP Stylebook, widely used by journalists and writers. In some cases, The Episcopal Church’s ethnic missioners, who work closely and daily with Episcopalians of various races and ethnicities, offer additional insights and/or preferences on terminology they encounter in their work and ministry. We will include those notes in blue in the entries below.