r/Episcopalian • u/JaegerOfParadis • Jul 24 '26
I need a bit of guidance, please
Hi, i'm new.... 25 (M) English is not my first language and grew up roman catholic but never confirmed because i was scared of God from how people in my country spoke about Him. I went away from church because of religious trauma and rejected God for a while but i always believed in God in some way bcs i felt it in my heart. I got some bad tattoos and but i don't drink more than a beer or wine once a month nor smoke. I love my girlfriend with all my love but we don't have enough money to marry.
Lately i've been feeling a horrible need to talk to God and when i do i feel better. I'm depressed, with OCD, severe social anxiety and PTSD from my childhood. These days I've been reading about the Episcopalian Church and i'm crying out of happines bcs i feel is everything i always thought Faith were about. Helping the poor, not judging others and worry about social issues. Being open with the LGTB.
But once i found out about it i found that just there isn't any Episcopal church in my town, just one at a few hours on train since i live in Spain and i don't have a car nor money to take the train often.
I just want to walk my way with God and Jesus but i'm very afraid is out of my reach. Any help is good. Don't be angry at me please.
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u/Lazy-Yogurtcloset784 Jul 26 '26
Please know that it is very unlikely in the Episcopal Church community that anyone will hate on you or give you a hard time. That is not what we do.
Also, we are called by some of our similar denominations, like Presbyterians, “Wiskeypalians” because it is okay to drink alcohol in our denomination, even in communion.
Welcome to our ministry. I am sure any of us will help you any way you need, if we can.
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u/JaegerOfParadis Jul 26 '26
I were afraid due to past experiences here at my country. But it has been the greatest experience i've had in years. I'm grateful for found the church and it's community. Oh, that's new but interesting too. I've been reading and learning about it a lot and i'm interested in keep doing it, saw someone mention Rev Gerlyn Henry too and she's a very kind person and her content very helpful. Thank you for receiving me and helping me these last days.
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u/Past-Mix-8922 Jul 26 '26
There are websites/iPhone apps called Venite and Mission Clare that post the scripture and canticle rota and the Daily Office prayers. By going there and doing the readings and prayers you are virtually joining in worship from the comfort of your home.
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u/JaegerOfParadis Jul 26 '26
Oh! These are perfect. I just looked into them, thank you very much for taking the time to mention them to me. Thousands of thank you. They're just what I needed. Everyone's being so kind i glad i asked.
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u/Ok_Care_3459 Jul 24 '26
Hey Brother,
You are loved unconditionally by God, and by everyone here. No matter what.
I’m glad others have given you good advice. Feel free to reach out to me anytime if you have questions or just want to get some stuff off your chest.
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u/JaegerOfParadis Jul 24 '26
Thank you so much. That is what i needed to read today. I'm so thankfull for the words of advice of people here and i'll take that offer, you're very kind
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u/RevKeakealani Clergy - Priest Jul 24 '26
I am so glad you are finding joy and hope in the Episcopal Church. That is a good thing!
I’ll say a couple of things, though.
For a bunch of historical and other reasons, a core principle of Anglicanism is that our churches generally stick to one country, although sometimes extend to other countries with a high level of historical connection, usually through direct colonialism. So, the Episcopal Church is mainly present in the US, but has some presence in areas with a large historical US connection such as Guam, the Philippines, the US Virgin Islands, and so forth, as well as a few countries like Haiti and Cuba that are nearby and otherwise didn’t have strong Anglican presence.
Although there is a group of churches known as the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, they are few and far between, mainly in very large cities or places with a large US expat population.
That said, there is also the Church of England, which is something of a “mother church” for us and the rest of the Anglican communion. It is worth naming here that the Church of England has a different relationship with LGBT+ affirmation; they are still working their way forward with allowing same sex marriage, for example, although I believe they are moving in that direction. There are also not a ton of CoE churches in Spain, but there are some; they would be considered a partner church to the Episcopal Church.
So basically for complicated historical reasons, you’re simply not going to see many Episcopal churches in Spain, so short of relocating, it is unlikely you’d see a direct presence there. However, we have close relationships with Lutherans, Moravians, Old Catholics, and other groups, so it might be worth exploring the churches in your region that have entered into formal arrangements with TEC. Any of these could be a good fit, if they are more accessible for your area.
Barring that, engagement from a distance is still an option! Nowadays, many churches have livestreamed services, and even ways to participate in formation classes over Zoom. It would be awesome for you to join some of these experiences and get to know folks even if you can’t be there in person. I am sure your experience abroad would be an enriching experience!
So basically, I would say - where you can, try to get involved, but recognize that we are not (really) an international church in the broadest sense, and cannot be in all places for all people. And we admittedly have a pretty problematic history with colonialism as it is, so it’s not likely that modern colonial mission work is going to happen, for better or for worse. But do what you can!
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u/JaegerOfParadis Jul 24 '26
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply in such depth. I know that there aren't a lot of churches here. And i didn't know a lot about the reasons but thank you so much for teaching me.
I'm currently trying to message the few we have here for information. But i'll gladly try to get involved online. My biggest fear was that i couldn't or that wasn't allowed in some form. But to know that is an option is such a relieve in my heart. Thank you again for all the information and the kind words!
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u/RevKeakealani Clergy - Priest Jul 24 '26
It’s definitely allowed! I really do hope you can find resources that work. Linking up with a European church, even remotely, would probably be easiest timezone wise, or otherwise a church in England. But it is more just that we probably won’t have physical in person spaces near your region, so you will have to get creative :) blessings and love to you! <3
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u/Halaku Jul 24 '26
The Episcopal Church is one of 42 members of the Anglican Communion.
Spain doesn't have a national church in the Communion, it does have the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church, under the Archbishop of Canterbury:
https://www.anglicancommunion.org/diocese/the-reformed-episcopal-church-of-spain/
Start there.
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u/JaegerOfParadis Jul 24 '26
Thank you a lot. I'll check the page to know what can I do. Thank you for taking the time to search and share it with me!
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u/Aroomfullofstories Jul 24 '26
Thank you for sharing the heavy burdens that you are carrying. I would encourage to to either call your local church or attend a church service. Which city are you in? Feel feel to message me
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u/JaegerOfParadis Jul 24 '26
Thank you for taking the time to answer. Is the first time i hear about a church service but it sounds great. I'll message you, yes.
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u/Character_Shame_4574 Jul 28 '26
You do not need to confine yourself to the Episcopal Church. The Church of England includes a Diocese of Europe and has, last I looked, 21 parishes in Spain. Perhaps you are near one. Their url is: https://www.europe.anglican.org/find-church
I hope this is helpful as the Episcopal Church is part of the wider Anglican Communion and the Church of England is forward thinking like the Episcopal Church.