An inclusive community for all
Trinity Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church
What is an Episcopalian?
As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection
saved the world. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions. The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of
inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual
orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.
CORE TO OUR BELIEFS:
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Book of Common Prayer
''It is a most invaluable part of that blessed liberty where with Christ hath made us free, that in his worship different forms
and usages may without offense be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 9).
The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations,
but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship,
our common prayer.
The Bible
“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and
inwardly digest them” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 236).
The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our
worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly
from the Bible.
Baptismal Covenant
“Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292).
A mini-catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a
question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how
we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.
The Catechism
Offered in a question-and-answer format, the catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862)
helps teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
The Creeds
“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 851).
In the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at
communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us,
and sanctifies us.
The Sacraments
“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857).
Besides baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith.
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Found in the Book of Common Prayer, these include:
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-Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419
-Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452
-Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438
-Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555
-Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467
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The Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe
28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church
The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York, was elected and confirmed the 28th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church on June 26 for a nine-year term beginning Nov. 1 2024.
Rowe, 49, was ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 and became bishop provisional of Western New York in 2019. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem.
Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Rowe earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Grove City College, a master of divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Gannon University. Rowe was the youngest Episcopal priest in the U.S. when he was ordained in 2000 at age 24, and he was the youngest member of the House of Bishops when he was ordained and consecrated at age 32.
Known for his research and work on organizational learning and adaptive performance in the church, Rowe serves as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops and the Episcopal Church Executive Council; chair of the Episcopal Church Building Fund; and as a member of the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, and Constitution and Canons. He also serves on the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable. In 2018, he became the first bishop to serve on the House of Deputies Committee on the State of the Church.