Frequently Asked Questions
What do Episcopalians Believe?
As Christians, we believe in a loving, liberating, life-giving God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection saved each of us and the world. Episcopalians believe that Jesus’ teachings are most clearly expressed in Holy Scripture (the Bible), which we believe “contain[s] all things necessary to salvation” (BCP 526). We believe in the fundamental dignity of every human being and that God loves you without precondition or exception.
For a more thorough rundown of Episcopal beliefs, please check the church’s website or the catechism in the Book of Common Prayer.
Are Queer people really welcome?
Yes.
Our church believes that there is “no longer Jew or Greek […] there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). In our church, women and men serve as bishops, priests, deacons, and other leaders without regard to gender. Similarly, the life, worship, and sacraments of the Church are open to all, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background.
To learn more about the teaching of the Church on LGBT issues, please visit The Episcopal Church’s website or The Reformation Project.
What does ‘episcopal’ mean?
“Episcopos” is the Greek word for ‘bishop,’ so “Episcopal” means ‘governed by bishops.’ Episcopal bishops lead a diocese, or group, of churches and watch over their unity and practice.
Our bishops are consecrated in what is known as the apostolic succession, a symbolic passing on of authority from bishop to bishop.
Bishops in the Episcopal Church trace their lineage back to Jesus and the Apostles through the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.
Do I have to be Episcopalian to come to Sanctuary events?
Absolutely not! People of all faith traditions and none are welcome at all of our events. While we are unapologetically Episcopalian and love our tradition, we welcome anyone with an interest!
All that we require of attendees is respect for other people and a willingness to engage.
I’ve had bad experiences with church- will I be uncomfortable at the sanctuary?
We understand that many people (including Sanctuary members) have had negative or even traumatic experiences with their faiths. Ensuring that everyone is safe and comfortable at events is our top priority, and you should feel free to engage only in events with which you feel comfortable.
Priests from nearby parishes are happy to provide counsel to people struggling with faith-related issues.
If you’d like to be connected to a priest, please contact example@stmarksutah.org.
ARe you guys Catholic? Sure looks Catholic.
The Episcopal Church describes itself as "Protestant, yet Catholic.” The Episcopal Church claims apostolic succession, tracing its bishops back to the apostles via holy orders. Often you will hear the Episcopal Church described as via media (Latin for “middle way”) or the middle way between the two extremes of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. The Episcopal Church has retained many of the traditions of Catholic practice but without submission to papal authority. We have a uniformity of worship, but considerable latitude for individual conscience. Via media is often misunderstood in a negative way to mean compromise or unwillingness to take a firm position. However, for Aristotle and those Anglicans who have used it, the term refers to the "golden mean" which is recognized as a more adequate expression of truth between the weaknesses of extreme positions.
If i’m new, which event should I come to?
The Sanctuary provides a number of weekly, monthly, and semesterly events, all of which are open to everyone. That being said, some events are better suited to the needs of some people:
For discussion of faith-related issues and fellowship in an intimate settings, try our Thursday night D&D (Dinner and Discussion).
For a break from class with free food,prayer and a movie, try Prayer, Projectors, and Pizza on Tuesdays.
To make new friends and do fun stuff, join us on the 4th Saturday of each month for our fellowship group.
Do I have to go to church?
While The Sanctuary strongly encourages all of our students to attend worship services on Sundays, going to church is by no means a requirement for being part of the group. We understand that people are at different places on their faith journeys, and that going to church is a big step for many people.
If you’re nervous about going to church for the first time or returning after a while away, contact example@stmarksutah.org. Our ministry coordinator can connect you with a student volunteer so that (if it would help) you don’t have to walk in alone.
How do you give back?
Individual members of The Sanctuary are involved in charity and justice work throughout campus and the city, and The Sanctuary hosts monthly service projects for members. For more information about getting involved, contact our ministry coordinator.