Well, Quite a bit.

Without going too too deep into theology, I will give a brief summary on the history, polity and dogma of both faith traditions.

For starters, The Episcopal Church is the American province of the Anglican Communion, whose mother church is The Church of England. The Church of England broke ties with the Roman Catholic Church over politics, rather than theology. Thus the Church of England or the Anglican Church as it is also known as, is extremely similiar structurally, liturgically and theologically to the Catholic, and Orthodox Churches. Anglicans in America chose to use a different term rather than Anglican to identify the American Church. This was in order to distinguish that they were no longer under English rule. Since the Anglican Church, like the Catholic and Orthodox churches are governed by bishops, the Anglicans in the early years of America's history chose the term 'Episcopal' for their church. The term 'Episcopal' or 'episcopos' in itself is greek for 'bishop.' Thus, the Anglican and Episcopal Churches, like the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, have an 'episcopal' hierarchical structure, meaning, they are governed by bishops.

Presbyterianism, unlike Anglicanism, traces its roots to the Protestant Reformation, which occured within a few decades of the English Reformation, but over very different reasons, theology, not politics. The Presbyterian movement was founded in Scotland by John Knox a former Anglican priest, who was forced to move to Scotland, after Mary Tudor took reign in England, and overthrew the bishops in the Church of England. Mary's intent was to return England to Roman Catholicism, although after her death, England almost immediately re-established its independence from Rome.

During Mary's reign, Knox was forced to resign his post as a priest of the Church of England, under threat of execution. Knox and his wife Marjorie flead to Scotland, where he began to study under other Protestant Reformers, in particular, John Calvin. Knox's theology swiftly transformed from Anglican to Calvinist. Calvin was against the entire concept of 'bishops' and 'priests'. He believed in the 'priesthood of all believers', that all people are equal before God, and that one does not need a priest or bishop to partake in the sacraments, or celebrate the 'Lords Supper' (Holy Communion).

While studying under Calvin, Knox was not only intrigued, and influenced by this thought, he made it his mission to transform the structure and dogma of the Scottish Church. At the time, Scotland was an Anglican province and under the jurisdiction of the once Church of England. Since Scotland was an independent country from England, the Church of Scotland remained Anglican, while the Church of England was forced to return to Roman Catholicism. Knox, quickly rose to power in the Church of Scotland, but in doing so convinced the Scottish Parliament to relinquish its Anglican/Episcopal theology and embrace a more 'reformed' perspective. Knox's argument persuaded the Scottish parliament, and the Church of Scotland eliminated the role of sacramental 'bishops' 'priests' and 'deacons' and transformed their polity to a 'presbyterian hierarchical structure'. The term 'Presbyterian' is greek for 'presbyter' which in English can also be translated to either elder, pastor or priest. Thus a 'Presbyterian Church' is one governed solely by pastors, without any bishops or episcopal hierarchical structure.

When the Church of Scotland came to the United States it was named 'The Presbyterian Church'. In the United States their are several different 'Presbyterian' denominations, the primary one being the PCUSA The Presbyterian Church in the USA. Several smaller Presbyterian denominations broke from the PCUSA when the PCUSA began ordaining women ministers. The other commonly known Presbyterian denomination in the United States is the PCA The Presbyterian Church in America. This is a smaller conservative Presbyterian denomination, it is also known as the 'Reformed Presbyterian Church'.

In addition to the hierarchical and structural differences in the two faiths, there are also great theological differences.

The Anglican and Episcopal Church, maintain that their are 2 great sacraments of the Gospel, Baptism and Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion/Lords Supper), and that their are five other Sacramental rites of the Church as inspired under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but not necessary for all Christians in the same way baptism and Eucharist are. Those other sacraments are Reconciliation (confession and absolution), Confirmation (chrismation), Holy Orders (ordination), Holy Matriomony(marriage) and Unction (anointing of the sick).

The Anglican and Episcopal Church holds to a 3 fold ordained ministry of deacons, priests, and bishops. The Anglican and Episcopal faith like the Catholic and Orthodox Churches trace their bishops lineage back to the apostles through the laying on of hands, in a process known as 'apostolic succession' or 'the historic episcopate'. This succession is seen as key to having valid sacraments and a valid Eucharist. The theology being that Christ gave authority to the apostles, making them bishops. The apostles in turn transmitted this authority to others through the laying on of hands. This succession transitioned from generation to generation to common day. The only churches that are considered to truly hold claim to a valid 'apostolic succession' are the Catholic Churches, Orthodox Churches, Anglican/Episcopal Churches, and ironically the Swedish Lutheran Church.

The Episcopal Church, like all Anglican provinces hold's to the Book of Common prayer, which is the doctrine, disciple and liturgy (worship) of the faith. Each Anglican province has their own edition of the Book of Common prayer, all of which are very similiar only with adaptations and revisions. The 'Prayer book' as it is known was originally written by Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry VIII. After Henry's death, Cranmer and the Book of Common Prayer were tossed in a pit. When Elizabeth took the throne after Mary's death, the 'Prayerbook' was re-established' and put back into print.

Unlike the Anglican/Episcopal Churches, Presbyterianism emphasizes only 2 sacraments, nothing more nothing less. Baptism and Lord's Supper. Since Presbyterianism is based on the notion that it is unncessary to have bishops or priests, they maintain no apostolic succession, and feel no need for it. Sacraments are seen as very different in the Presbyterian Churches than they are in the Episcopal/Anglican Church. The Lord's Supper in itself is seen more as a memorial of the Last Supper, with perhaps a Spiritual presence among the community as the action in itself is taking place. Whereas with Episcopalians/Anglicans it is believed to be the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, and is even reserved in a tabernacle by many parishes.

Presbyterianism holds to the teaches of John Knox and John Calvin. Their central core doctrine are known as the 'TULIP'dogma. Each Letter in TULIP stood for a different theological concept. 'Total Depravity,' 'Unconditional Election', 'Limited Atonement,' Irresistable Grace', Preservation of the Saints'. Total Depravity is the belief that humans are utterly and completely evil, and that without Jesus, we would all be in Hell. Unconditional Election is also known as 'pre-destination' or the belief that all people are pre-destined for either heaven or hell, and nothing we can do can change that pre-determination. Limited Atonement falls in line with predestination, in that it is the belief that one can atone for his or her sins. However, if one is not of the 'elect' or pre-destined for heaven, then ultimately whether one is sorry for his or her sins or not, is irrelevent. Irresistable Grace is the belief that those who are pre-destined for heaven will come to full knowledge of this and cannot be turned away by God. Preservation of the Saints is the belief that God keeps all those who are 'saved'protected from Satan. Each of these beliefs is a part of the core dogma of Presbyterianism.

These are all just a few of the basic differences between the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church. For more information on either faiths you can go to either sites.

www.episcopalchurch.org

http://www.pcusa.org

Well first of all with all do respect to the above poster...MUCH of this is INCORRECT!

As a theologian and a minister, it is important that you really truly understand the origins of the reformed movement an Prebyterianism. That being said, its also important to know your own faith " Anglican and or Episcopal here in the USA.

Lets take some of your first points, shall we. Here is what you wrote:

For starters, The Episcopal Church is the American province of the Anglican Communion, whose mother church is The Church of England. The Church of England broke ties with the Roman Catholic Church over politics, rather than theology. Thus the Church of England or the Anglican Church as it is also known as, is extremely similar structurally, liturgically and theologically to the Catholic, and Orthodox Churches. Anglicans in America chose to use a different term rather than Anglican to identify the American Church. This was in order to distinguish that they were no longer under English rule. Since the Anglican Church, like the Catholic and Orthodox churches are governed by bishops, the Anglicans in the early years of America's history chose the term 'Episcopal' for their church. The term 'Episcopal' or 'episcopos' in itself is greek for 'bishop.' Thus, the Anglican and Episcopal Churches, like the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, have an 'episcopal' hierarchical structure, meaning, they are governed by bishops.

Well, just like Presbyterianism/ Reformed faith their are many denominations that call themselves Episcopalians( which refers to Bishops). There are many Episcopalian churches that you did not mention including the Protestant Episcopal( mainline) the Reformed Episcopal , the Charismatic Episopal. But lets just take he first two shall we. In the Protestant Episcopal you can be either High Church or Low Church. High Church would resemble a Roman Catholic type of mass. Where you get the information incorrect is to equate the Episcopalian doctrine the same almost as Romn Catholic, this is erroneous. In doctrine, The Episcopalian Church or the Anglicans would be much closer to Reformed. In regards to Holy Communion and the Real Presence of Christ in the Supper( as Presbyterians believe) versus consubstantiation viewed as Roman Catholics where it physically becomes the body and blood of Jesus.

Regarding the Reformed Episcopal Church, they were much closer to the Reformed faith, in fact so much so that they were considered a branch, just as Presbyterians. They denied the so called altar and viewed it as te table of the Lord", they also had the same views as the Presbyterian Minister for their ministers. Their understanding of Communion and Baptism was the same as the Presbyterians? Reformed.

Lets go onto your next points.

Yes The Reformed faith was involved in the Reformation just as Lutherans or Luther and his teaching.

Regarding John Knox, you have this in grave error. He was a Roman Catholic Priest, not an Anglican Priest. Perhaps you were thinking of John Wesley with the Methodist Church.

Here is information on John Knox

http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/john-knox.html

The Church of Scotland still remains Presbyterian in Scotland as in St Giles Cathedral. The Queen of England oversees the Scottish Church as well.

Lets go to your next points, shall we.

In addition to the hierarchical and structural differences in the two faiths, there are also great theological differences.

Again regarding the Sacraments, most Anglican and Episcopal churches hold to two sacraments as do the reformed. They have other rites as you mentioned, so does the Reformed, but they are given lower ranking and not voiced as much. These would be, Confirmation, Matrimony, Ordination and Unction.

Regarding your little tid bit here,

The Episcopal Church, like all Anglican provinces holds to the Book of Common prayer, which is the doctrine, disciple and liturgy (worship) of the faith. Each Anglican province has their own edition of the Book of Common prayer, all of which are very similiar only with adaptations and revisions. The 'Prayer book' as it is known was originally written by Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry VIII. After Henry's death, Cranmer and the Book of Common Prayer were tossed in a pit. When Elizabeth took the throne after Mary's death, the 'Prayerbook' was re-established' and put back into print.

Are you unfamiliar with Presbyterian Worship books? This information following will give you all that information. Here within the two largest bodies the Presbyterian Church USA an some PCA' s as well as the Cumberland. it would be the Book of Common Worship. Here is the information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_book_of_the_Presbyterian_Church_(USA)

Okay, now lets touch on your final points shall we.

Unlike the Anglican/Episcopal Churches, Presbyterianism emphasizes only 2 sacraments, nothing more nothing less. Baptism and Lord's Supper. Since Presbyterianism is based on the notion that it is unnecessary to have bishops or priests, they maintain no apostolic succession, and feel no need for it. Sacraments are seen as very different in the Presbyterian Churches than they are in the Episcopal/Anglican Church. The Lord's Supper in itself is seen more as a memorial of the Last Supper, with perhaps a Spiritual presence among the community as the action in itself is taking place. Whereas with Episcopalians/Anglicans it is believed to be the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, and is even reserved in a tabernacle by many parishes.

Presbyterianism holds to the teaches of John Knox and John Calvin. Their central core doctrine are known as the 'TULIP' dogma. Each Letter in TULIP stood for a different theological concept. 'Total Depravity,' 'Unconditional Election', 'Limited Atonement,' Irresistable Grace', Preservation of the Saints'.Total Depravity is the belief that humans are utterly and completely evil, and that without Jesus, we would all be in Hell. Unconditional Election is also known as 'pre-destination' or the belief that all people are pre-destined for either heaven or hell, and nothing we can do can change that pre-determination. Limited Atonement falls in line with predestination, in that it is the belief that one can atone for his or her sins. However, if one is not of the 'elect' or pre-destined for heaven, then ultimately whether one is sorry for his or her sins or not, is irrelevent. Irresistable Grace is the belief that those who are pre-destined for heaven will come to full knowledge of this and cannot be turned away by God. Preservation of the Saints is the belief that God keeps all those who are 'saved'protected from Satan. Each of these beliefs is a part of the core dogma of Presbyterianism.

First of all your understanding on Reformed Holy Communion or the Lords Supper and Baptism is in error. I would suggest that you read the Westminster Confession of Faith to see what Presbyterians believe about Communion is. WE DO NOT believe that it is a Memorial as Anabaptists teach. We believe in the Real Presence, Spiritual presence of Christ in the elements. Below is pulling from the Westminster for you to read verbatim:

VII. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this sacrament, do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually, receive and feed upon Christ crucified, and all benefits of his death: the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses.

VIII. Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this sacrament, yet they receive not the thing signified thereby; but by their unworthy coming thereunto are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, to their own damnation. Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with him, so are they unworthy of the Lord's table, and can not, without great sin against Christ, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto.

For a website for you to pull up the Westminster Confession of Faith and other Reformed Confessions:

http://www.reformed.org/documents/index.html?mainframe=http://www.reformed.org/documents/westminster_conf_of_faith.html

Finally regarding your understanding of TULIP. Most Reformed/ Presbyterian churches DO NOT believe in DOUBLE PREDESTINATION as you stated. The doctrine was first really started in the Roman Catholic Church by St. Agustine: and here is information on it.

http://www.romancatholicism.org/jansenism/predestination-ignorance.htm

Just a point for you, the Episcopalians mostly DO believe in Predestination.

Also in your acronym TULIP- Your denoting of the letter P was incorrect! You said it was the Preservation of the Saints?

Sorry, here it is for you

The "P" in TULIP*

Perserverance of the Saints. Those who are born as children of wrath, corrupt and sinful by nature, yet the elect of God, for whom alone Christ died, and who have experienced the efficacious grace of God leading to regeneration and conversion, will perservere to the end.

As a logical extension of the foregoing, the Calvinist asserts that the elect cannot fall away. His salvation, initiated and secured by Christ, rooted in the absolute sovereignty and power of God, is guaranteed to the end. In the eternal security of God's grace, according to the Calvinist, the elect person will experience the subjective knowledge of his own assurance of salvation.

Therefore, the Calvinist rejects the doctrine that one can be saved, then fall away from grace, or lose his salvation.

For more understanding on it you should go to this website:

http://www.essortment.com/five-points-calvinism-tulip-defined-54229.html

I am not sure if you were aware, but back in the 1950s and 60s, the Presbyterians and Episcopalians talked about merging into one denomination, although that never happened.

Episcopals and Anglicans generally have more of a uniform way of worship versus the Presbyterian. This is why when visiting a Presbyterian church, you can experience High Church Presbyterianism/ Reformed that looks very similar to the Anglican and Lutheran worship, or you can have blended"semi liturgical traditional service or a almost non denominatonal evangelical approach.

Hope this helps...blessings

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