Glossary of Terms
Schereschewsky, Samuel Isaac Joseph
(May 6, 1831-Oct. 15, 1906). Missionary bishop and translator. He was born in Tauroggen, Russian Lithuania, to Jewish parents. He became convinced that he should become a Christian and in […]
Schism
This word of Greek origin means a rip, tear, split, or division. In ecclesiastical terms, it is a formal and willful separation from the unity of the church. The term […]
Schola Cantorum
A school for church singers. The first Roman schola cantorum has been dated from the fourth century. It provided music for papal masses. The Roman schola cantorum was reorganized by […]
Scholasticism
A movement or approach to theology in Christianity which developed during the middle ages. It flourished from the time of Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) until the beginning of the “modern” […]
School of Theology of the Diocese of Arkansas
See Arkansas Theological Chautauqua School.
School of Theology, University of the South
One of the recognized, accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church. The first meeting of the trustees of the University of the South was held at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, on July […]
Scott, Thomas Fielding
(Mar. 12, 1808-July 14, 1867). First Missionary Bishop of Oregon and Washington Territory. He was born in Iredell County, North Carolina. Scott graduated from Franklin College, now the University of […]
Scripture
This word comes from the Latin for “writings” and refers to a collection of the most important documents in a given religious community. Many different religions have scriptures. The term […]
Scudder, Vida Dutton
(Dec. 15, 1861-Oct. 9, 1954). Educator and Christian Socialist. She was born in Madura, India, and was initially named Julia Davida. Her father was a Congregationalist missionary. She and her […]
Seabury Divinity School, Faribault, Minnesota
See Seabury-Western Theological Seminary.
Seabury Press
A church-owned publishing house that was sold in 1984. Lewis Bliss Whittemore (1885-1965), Bishop of Western Michigan, called attention to the lack of progress in Christian education throughout the Episcopal […]
Seabury Series, The
A comprehensive parish education program of the Episcopal Church that was published between 1948 and 1970. The program included a series of six basic books, The Church's Teaching Series, which […]
Seabury-Western Theological Seminary
An accredited seminary of the Episcopal Church, located in Evanston, Illinois. Seabury-Western was the result of the merger of Seabury Divinity School, Faribault, Minnesota, and the Western Theological Seminary, Chicago, […]
Seabury, Samuel
(Nov. 30, 1729-Feb. 25, 1796). First bishop in the Episcopal Church. He was born in Groton, Connecticut, and graduated from Yale College in 1748. He read theology under his father […]
Seabury, Samuel
(June 9, 1801-Oct. 10, 1872). Priest, educator, and editor. The grandson and namesake of the first bishop of the Episcopal Church, he was born in New London, Connecticut. Although he […]
Seal of Baptism
After baptism, the bishop or priest places a hand on the head of the newly baptized person, marking the forehead with the sign of the cross, addressing each one by […]
Seal of Confession
A penitent may seek a priest for listening to his or her confession of sins, declaring genuine sorrow and promising amendment of life together with restitution, where possible, to those […]
Seal of the Episcopal Church
See Episcopal Church Flag and Seal.
Search Committee
A group charged to identify candidates for the position of bishop, rector, or other ministry in the life of the church. It may be the responsibility of the search committee […]
Seasonal Blessings
The BOS provides seasonal blessings for Advent, Christmas season, Epiphany, Easter season, the Day of Pentecost, the First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday, and All Saints. In place of a […]
Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.