Glossary of Terms
Easton, Burton Scott
(Dec. 4, 1877-Mar. 7, 1950). Seminary professor and NT scholar. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Easton studied first at the University of Göttingen in Germany. He subsequently received his […]
Easton, Diocese of
The General Convention of 1868 voted to divide the Diocese of Maryland and form a new diocese. The primary convention of the new diocese met at Christ Church, Easton, on […]
Eastward Position
The posture of the presider who stands at the altar with his or her back to the people. In churches oriented with the altar at the east end, as was […]
Eau Claire, Diocese of
The 1928 General Convention voted to create a new diocese from the dioceses of Fond du Lac and Milwaukee. The primary convention of the Diocese of Eau Claire was held […]
Ebionites
The term (Hebrew ebion, “poor”) refers to a sect of Jewish Christians who upheld the Jewish law and rejected Paul's teaching and ministry to the uncircumcised. They lived an ascetic, […]
Ecce, Deus
Canticle based on Is 12:2-6, which celebrates the return of Israel from exile. It begins, “Surely it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be […]
Ecclesia
The term is the Latin transliteration of the Greek ekklesia, which indicated a civic assembly. The word was derived from the Greek for “call out” or “summon,” so it was […]
Ecclesiastical
Of or pertaining to the church.
Ecclesiology
From the Greek ekklesia, “church,” and logia, “doctrine,” the term refers to the doctrine of the church. The Greek word ekklesia (from ek, “out of,” and kalein, “to call”) describes […]
Economic Trinity
See Trinity.
Ecuador, Central Diocese of
The House of Bishops established the Missionary District of Ecuador on Oct. 27, 1966. It became the Diocese of Ecuador on Jan. 1, 1980. The General Convention of 1985 voted […]
Ecuador, Litoral Diocese of
The House of Bishops established the Missionary District of Ecuador on Oct. 27, 1966. It became the Diocese of Ecuador on Jan. 1, 1980. The General Convention of 1985 voted […]
Ecumenical Bulletin
This journal began publication in Winter 1965/1966. It was originally published by the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. After Mar./Apr. 1976, it was issued in cooperation with the Episcopal […]
Ecumenical Councils
From NT times the church has relied on the decisions of councils called by recognized authority to settle disputes over doctrine and discipline. When a council involves representative bishops from […]
Ecumenical Movement
Inspired in part by the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral (1880), the ecumenical movement was born at the International Missionary Conference of Edinburgh (1910) as a search for the reunion of Christians. Two […]
Ecumenical Theological Seminary
An association of schools, religious denominations, and other educational institutions. In the early 1950s, the Rev. Dr. Reuel Howe concluded from his years of teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary that […]
Ecumenical, Ecumenical Theology
The term is derived from the Greek oikoumen', “inhabited world.” Ecumenical refers to the wholeness of the church. Ecumenical theology is theology especially concerned to recover visible unity for the […]
Ed.D
D(The Doctor of Education degree is for those persons who desire leadership positions in the field of education.
Edmund of East Anglia
(c. 840-Nov. 20, 870). Christian martyr and King of East Anglia. He became king at the age of fifteen. Edmund was subsequently defeated and captured by an army of invading […]
Efficacious Grace
This is grace that accomplishes its intended result in the human soul, especially in terms of a saving work or salvation. The English reformers affirmed the efficacious nature of the […]
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.