The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church share a common origin, but over time, differences in theology, practice, and leadership have led to a significant split. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany revisit their recent conversation with Reverend Greg Kronz to debrief what makes these two denominations distinct and why thousands of churches chose to leave the Episcopal tradition and form the Anglican Church in North America.

🎉 By the way, Kitchen Table Theology has officially surpassed 100,000 downloads! 

If you missed Part 1 and Part 2 of our conversation with Reverend Kronz, be sure to listen to episode 234 and 235.

Here’s What We Discussed:

03:09 – A Recap of Denominational Conversations
So far, we’ve heard from Baptist, Presbyterian, and Anglican pastors. We begin to notice the rich diversity in worship styles, theology, and church governance across Protestant denominations.

04:01 – Anglicanism’s Global Reach and History
The Anglican Communion is the third-largest Christian body worldwide. Pastor Jeff shares how it grew out of the English Reformation and spread through the British Empire.

06:15 – Anglican vs. Episcopalian: What Caused the Split?
Tensions arose due to theological liberalism in the Episcopal Church—especially over marriage, ordination, and biblical authority—leading to the formation of the Anglican Church in North America in 2009.

08:27 – Anglican Worship: Liturgy, Communion & The Book of Common Prayer
Anglican worship blends structure and depth. Services typically follow a liturgical pattern, center on the Word and the Eucharist, and are guided by the historic Book of Common Prayer.

10:53 – Church Architecture: What is Cruciform Design?
Many Anglican and Episcopalian churches are built in the shape of a cross. Pastor Jeff explains the symbolism behind the “nave,” “transept,” and tall vaulted ceilings often found in these sanctuaries.

14:26 – Anglican Church Governance
Unlike the Catholic Church, Anglicanism doesn’t have a pope. Instead, it follows a hierarchy of archbishops, bishops, rectors, and deacons—with the Archbishop as a “first among equals.”

15:56 – Sacraments and the Presence of Christ in Communion
Anglicans reject transubstantiation and view the bread and wine as symbolic. Christ is present in the heart of the believer through faith—not physically in the elements themselves.

17:28 – Scripture and the Separation from the Episcopal Church
Both denominations affirm the 66-book Protestant canon, but many Anglicans separated from the Episcopal Church over its progressive stance on issues like same-sex marriage and ordination.

Key Quotes: 

“The Anglican Communion is the third-largest international Christian family of churches. They have congregations in more than 165 countries.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!