After 54 years of being an Episcopal priest, I have learned to take two steps back when a member begins a conversation with “I’m a cradle Episcopalian.”
However your article is delightful. However let me playfully say that since you were baptized in a Presbyterian Church, I’m not sure the real cradle Episcopalians I’ve know would grant you that status. They usually say, “I was baptized an Episcopalian.”
I always responded Christian, you were baptized a Christian. They seldom got it. 🤣
I grew up in the Church of Christ with a very different vibe (no religious holidays, "every day is Jesus day!"), but as I read your post I thought of how we're raising our two daughters as "cradle" Episcopalians, and I'm hopeful for how they'll feel about the world and their beliefs over time. Thanks, friends!
I've listened to your podcast, but just came across this post on Substack on accident. Glad to find you in another venue! Thank you for this post! As a convert, it was beautiful to see.
I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and converted to the Episcopal Church two years ago. I am very happy to have found my current worship community and home! However, I sometimes feel a little unsettled when I hear one of our priests boast about being a cradle Episcopalian. It comes across as somewhat exclusive, especially from someone who passionately advocates for LGBTQOA+ rights. I just wanted to share this observation about my feelings.
I, too was raised RC. My late husband, who joined the Episcopal Church with me, said that the Episcopal Church is Catholicism for grownups. I agree. I am annoyed when someone tells me, I am a “cradle Episcopalian”. So what? What are you doing now?
As a 79 year old who grew up at a small Episcopal church in eastern NC, I agree with you. One difference, however. In the 50s, a young woman could sing in the choir but being an acolyte or crucifer was a boy's job.End of discussion! I did grow up experiencing the joys of an extended church family and being blessed in so many ways.
Love this post. You collected many of the reasons was attracted to the Episcopal Church and why I’ve stayed. Although I’m first generation Episcopal and came to the church as an adult, here’s hoping my child has some of the same memories you mentioned
As a rector at a small rural parish, this spoke to me deeply. I love our small church, the ebbs and flows, the noisy, messy parts of being multi-generational where even the youngest of our children are with us. Thanks for reminding me of the beauty of it all!!
After 54 years of being an Episcopal priest, I have learned to take two steps back when a member begins a conversation with “I’m a cradle Episcopalian.”
However your article is delightful. However let me playfully say that since you were baptized in a Presbyterian Church, I’m not sure the real cradle Episcopalians I’ve know would grant you that status. They usually say, “I was baptized an Episcopalian.”
I always responded Christian, you were baptized a Christian. They seldom got it. 🤣
😂😂 baptized Christian is right!
I enjoyed reading about your experience! I was raised Baptist but am getting ready to be received into the Episcopal Church in June.
Also, just finished Project Hail Mary (the audio book is 🔥) and loved it!
I grew up in the Church of Christ with a very different vibe (no religious holidays, "every day is Jesus day!"), but as I read your post I thought of how we're raising our two daughters as "cradle" Episcopalians, and I'm hopeful for how they'll feel about the world and their beliefs over time. Thanks, friends!
As a former COC member and a theologian, I am so glad you are here to experience this liturgical life with the rest us!
I've listened to your podcast, but just came across this post on Substack on accident. Glad to find you in another venue! Thank you for this post! As a convert, it was beautiful to see.
Sweet family photo! I have noticed that most Episcopalians are extremely fond of Peter Pan collars and monogramming 😂
I thoroughly identify with your description of growing up in the Episcopal Church! It’s a huge part of who I am! Thank you for sharing!
I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and converted to the Episcopal Church two years ago. I am very happy to have found my current worship community and home! However, I sometimes feel a little unsettled when I hear one of our priests boast about being a cradle Episcopalian. It comes across as somewhat exclusive, especially from someone who passionately advocates for LGBTQOA+ rights. I just wanted to share this observation about my feelings.
it's a strange thing to boast about!
I, too was raised RC. My late husband, who joined the Episcopal Church with me, said that the Episcopal Church is Catholicism for grownups. I agree. I am annoyed when someone tells me, I am a “cradle Episcopalian”. So what? What are you doing now?
As a 79 year old who grew up at a small Episcopal church in eastern NC, I agree with you. One difference, however. In the 50s, a young woman could sing in the choir but being an acolyte or crucifer was a boy's job.End of discussion! I did grow up experiencing the joys of an extended church family and being blessed in so many ways.
Love this post. You collected many of the reasons was attracted to the Episcopal Church and why I’ve stayed. Although I’m first generation Episcopal and came to the church as an adult, here’s hoping my child has some of the same memories you mentioned
As a rector at a small rural parish, this spoke to me deeply. I love our small church, the ebbs and flows, the noisy, messy parts of being multi-generational where even the youngest of our children are with us. Thanks for reminding me of the beauty of it all!!
Thanks for this. I grew up Lutheran, but the story was the same.
https://substack.com/@orangedogdiary?r=av56d&utm_medium=ios