The Episcopal Church owes its foundation to Jesus Christ, and its bishops (spiritual leaders) trace their line unbroken back to the first disciples. This is a CATHOLIC church, remaining true to the beliefs and worship of the church from the earliest of times. It is also a REFORMED church, much of whose structure was formed during the English Reformation of the 16th Century which is where the term “Anglican”—member of the Church of England– is derived. The first English words of Christian prayer in North America were Anglican, and many of our nation’s founding fathers were among the first Episcopalians.