Reflection for October 18

Episcopal Identity
Episcopalians believe that a fundamental way to discover one another, and themselves, is around a common Table. At table for Eucharist, they share in receiving Christ’s presence, are knit together as Christ’s body, and witness Christ in one another. At table in each other’s homes, they share the warmth of Godly hospitality and learn of each other’s lives. Gathered at one table for vestries, councils, and ministries, they discuss, argue, decide and assess. In doing so, they bring their passions, gifts, and fallibilities to bear on the life and work of the Church. Episcopalians see table fellowship as part of a deeper ethic, one that favors maintaining bonds of mutual affection above discord and quarrel. (From a new study on Episcopal Identity, Around One Table, available at www.episcopalchurch.org/AroundOneTable)