We believe that God has entrusted these gifts to us to be used wisely and responsibly for the good of all people. The Episcopal Church consists of lay persons, deacons, priests and bishops. We consider all baptized Christians to be ministers as they share their gifts and talents. However, some members of the church feel called to be ordained as deacons, priests or bishops. In the Episcopal Church in the United States, both women and men are eligible for ordination.
Deacons serve as a bridge between church and community.
Often employed outside the church, deacons help to interpret the needs and concerns of society to church leaders and help to support and nurture church members. The priest serves as a pastor and teacher to members of the church, leads worship, preaches, and supports members of the congregation as they reach out into their community. Some priests find their vocation in a non-church setting, such as a hospital, university or prison chaplaincy. Bishops are elected by priests and lay people. They provide leadership and care for congregations and serve as a link with the mission and ministry of the national and international church and with other faith traditions.