Episcopal Diocese of Rochester
Joy in Christ, a way of life

Who We Are

Our vision: Joy in Christ a way of life.

Our mission: To grow and develop congregations spiritually, numerically and in missional leadership.

With Christ’s help, we seek to fulfill our mission and vision through:

  • Radical hospitality: Embracing all as equal and beloved members of Christ’s body.
  • Passionate spirituality: Encouraging all members of Christ’s church to be on fire with the Gospel.
  • Thoughtful engagement: Creating safe environments for discussion and works related to justice, peace and equality.

We are followers of Jesus Christ.

As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Episcopal Church has members in the United States, as well as in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Haiti, Honduras, Micronesia, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands.

We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity.

Our liturgy retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated in many languages.

We are affirming.

Both men and women, including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests and bishops.

We believe in amendment of life, the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting.

Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church.

Holy Communion may be received by all baptized Christians, not only members of The Episcopal Church, during our services.

We uphold the Bible and worship with the Book of Common Prayer.

We affirm that committed relationships are lifelong and monogamous. Episcopalians also recognize that there is grace after divorce and do not deny the sacraments to those who have been divorced.

We affirm that issues such as birth control are matters of personal informed conscience.

We are diverse.

We celebrate our unity in Christ while honoring our differences, always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion.

All are welcome to find a spiritual home in The Episcopal Church.