Basically, I was raised Roman Catholic and while I am okay with (most of) the tenants of my faith, I take issue with other positions the church holds.  I've been interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church after reading an article about Bishop Gene Robinson a few months ago, and I might attend a service at a local church next week.

Does anyone know of any books or other resources that might be helpful as I explore this other church?  The website of the local church says they have classes for people interested in learning more about their faith, but I'd like to do some research on my own first.  I'm especially interested in learning about the sacraments and other people's personal journeys to join one church or the other.

I realize that this forum doesn't get a lot of comments, but I thought I'd try here anyway. :)

Britney, I'm an Episcopalian but sort of new to it as well.  I don't have any resources but I'm glad you found your way via Gene Robinson!   Feel free to PM me - I can at least tell you what I have experienced so far.

I think the biggest thing to be aware of is that the Episcopal church is basically splintering over gay marriage, as well as ordaining women.  It's been a very long and drawn out process with the more conservative churches wanting to align themselves with a Nigerian synod, and the more liberal ones striking out on their own.   Thankfully my church is the latter of the two.  It might be years before something happens, but if these issues are important to you and you're looking at local churches, it'd be good to know their position on this up front.

I am also a Catholic, and read the book of Popes. It was a little of their lives, and accomplishments, what they did or shouldn't have done. When I finished, first I realized, it is my faith that is the most important. And the Church is really the People of the Church. There were too many of the Popes who were political and self serving long ago. However, I got so involved with it that I looked up the reformation, and was in agreement with alot of it. I have researched and still need to further it on the other religions beliefs compared to the Roman Catholics.

I have already believed that all Christians are the Children of God, but have more stronger convictions now. I would like to have a book, that would just spelled out the difference in each Church. I know in the Catholic Church when the Pope speaks infallible it is to be the truth inspired by the Spirit. Yes, I believe that, but what about those Popes way back that the people believed but he really wasn't following the Spirit.

If all Christians believe in God, and live their faith, I believe that is the right path.

I do get frustrated at times. And am seriously thinking about talking to a Catholic Priest with some really serious questions.

Any comments are welcomed. Any one know of such a book I mentioned, let me know. If not I will continued to search the web, there has to be something out there.

God Bless and Thanks, Jeanne