What does episcopalian mean?
An Episcopalian is a member or adherent of the Episcopal Church, the branch of the Anglican Communion based primarily in the United States. The word also functions adjectivally, describing anything relating to bishops or to a system of church government led by them — from Episcopalian liturgy to Episcopalian doctrine. Rooted in the Greek 'episkopos,' meaning 'overseer' or 'bishop,' the term reflects the tradition's emphasis on apostolic succession through ordained bishops. While 'Anglican' broadly covers all national churches descended from the Church of England, 'Episcopalian' is the standard designation for the American expression of that tradition. It typically appears capitalized in denominational contexts and carries a formal register, most often encountered in religious, historical, or sociological writing about American Christianity and its institutional life.
A member of an Episcopal Church, especially the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.
"He was raised as an Episcopalian but later converted to another denomination."
Relating to bishops, or to church governance by bishops; belonging to or characteristic of the Episcopal Church.
"The cathedral follows an Episcopalian model of hierarchical authority."
Standard English plural, used when referring collectively to members of the Episcopal Church.
"Episcopalians across the country observed Ash Wednesday with traditional services."
The word traces back to Greek 'episkopos,' meaning 'overseer' — the very same root that gave us the word 'bishop.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of episcopalian
The word derives from the Late Latin 'episcopalis,' itself from Greek 'episkopos,' meaning 'overseer' or 'bishop,' composed of 'epi-' ('upon') and 'skopein' ('to look'). It entered English in the 17th century amid debates over church governance, distinguishing churches ruled by bishops from Presbyterian or congregational models. Cognates include 'episcopal,' 'episcopate,' and the Old English-derived 'bishop,' which shares the same Greek ancestor via Latin and Germanic transmission.
How episcopalian is actually used
Capitalized when referring specifically to the Episcopal Church or its members; lowercased when used generically to describe episcopal (bishops-based) church governance. In British usage, 'Anglican' is more common, as the term 'Episcopalian' is primarily associated with the American denomination and, historically, the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Easily confused with episcopalian
An Anglican is a member of any national church in the Anglican Communion worldwide (such as the Church of England), while 'Episcopalian' specifically denotes members of the Episcopal Church, the American branch of that communion.