Becoming a Member

Becoming a Member

There are two ways to become a member of the Episcopal Church:

1. By Baptism in an Episcopal congregation as a child or adult

2. By Reception or Transfer as a baptized person from another Christian church recognized by the Episcopal Church

If you were baptized in the Episcopal Church, you are a member of that particular parish until your records are transferred to another parish.  If you wish to become a member of St. John’s, you must request a Letter of Transfer from your home parish.

If you have been baptized in another Christian church recognized by the Episcopal Church, and you wish to become an Episcopalian, you may ask to be received after consultation with the Rector.  You will need to provide a Letter of Transfer and/or a baptismal certificate, but you will not need to be re-baptized.

If you have never been baptized, you may still become an Episcopalian by being baptized by the Rector.

In the Episcopal Church, all baptized members are expected to be confirmed, either when they reach maturity, or in connection with baptism if they are baptized as adults. In Confirmation "we express a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.”

If you have been confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church or certain other churches having bishops recognized by the Episcopal Church as being in the Apostolic Succession of Bishops, you do not have to be re-confirmed. You may be asked to take instruction in the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church with candidates for Confirmation and then be received by the bishop as a confirmed member of St. John's.

For more information about joining St. John's, please call the parish office to make an appointment with the rector.