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How Does the Episcopal Church Regard Other Faiths?

The Episcopal Church has a great respect for other Christian churches, and does not view itself as the only true church. The church recognizes water baptism of any church if it is done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All baptized persons who have examined their lives and repented of their sins may receive communion if their own church allows them to do so. TEC is ecumenically-minded and often works with other churches to spread the Gospel, help care for those in need, and to deal with other issues of concern to the Christian community.

Dialogues have been held with the Roman Catholic Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church of America recently, among others. Recent dialogues between ECUSA and ELCA have resulted in full communion between the two churches (this is not a merger, but rather both churches recognizing each others’ orders of ministry).
Episcopalians consider the “one holy catholic and apostolic Church” to consist of all baptized Christians. Episcopalians pray and work for unity among Christians, to follow Jesus’ desire that all may be one, as He and the Father are one. (John, 17:20-26).

The Episcopal Church also has interfaith dialogues with other religious groups. This does not deny that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) Rather, it shows that a spirit of understanding and respect towards non-Christians is necessary to eliminate much of the hatred that exists in the world and to bring others to know God as revealed in Jesus Christ. There are also things that can be learned and appreciated from other faiths. In addition, the Episcopal Church and other members of the Anglican Communion have and continue to take part in missionary work. Many Episcopal churches in the United States are placing more emphasis on evangelism and creating special worship services and activities to reach the unchurched.

This is a church that tries to act in a spirit of respect towards others while still acknowledging salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).