The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States is a part of
the world-wide Anglican communion. It is said to be both protestant and catholic
and for many, it serves as a 'bridge' Church.
During the Christian Reformation of the 1500s the Church of England divided
from the Roman Catholic Church but retained much of the theology and worship
practice of the Catholic Church including in particular the apostolic succession
tracing the authority of the Church to Jesus' apostles.
When America was settled as an English colony, the colonists brought with them their
religion - The Church of England. After the United States gained its independence,
these Christians constituted themselves as the The Protestant Episcopal Church in
The United States. The word Episcopal means having Bishops.
