Incline Our Hearts
What Is Episcopal Identity?
Over the last few months, I've been spending more time than usual with the Holland Hall school community in Tulsa, as they have been searching for their next Head of School. One of the questions that has come up often in the search process is "what is Episcopal identity in a school"?
I've spent a lot of time in Episcopal schools. I attended one from K through 12th grade, and was Rector of a church and school in Phoenix for over a decade. In my role now as Bishop, I'm involved with all four of our Episcopal schools, but particularly Holland Hall and Casady. And I can tell you: if you've met one Episcopal school, you've met one Episcopal school! In other words, every Episcopal school lives out its Episcopal identity somewhat differently.
But there are some basic principles that apply. An Episcopal school should be recognizably Episcopal. I once attended an independent school conference and met a leader from an Episcopal school that had chapel twice a year! One essential aspect of Episcopal identity is regular chapel, at least weekly, based in some way on the Book of Common Prayer. Likewise Episcopal identity ought to include service learning and religious studies, growing knowledge not only about Christianity but about all the major world religions.
Lastly, there is a culture piece. An Episcopal school ought to be unapologetically rooted in our Baptismal Covenant, while also being deeply inclusive of families from all religious traditions (and none). Typically around 10-15% of students at Episcopal schools are Episcopalians, at most, and yet the main goal is not to convert more people to the Episcopal Church (though some families find themselves drawn into our tradition and join a local congregation), but rather to help form the moral character of students, whatever their beliefs. Ideally, thanks to our excellent Episcopal chaplains and the Episcopal culture more broadly in our schools, a graduate would have a solid moral foundation, a heart to serve others, a basic knowledge of religion, an appreciation for difference, and one or two spiritual practices. The rest we entrust to God.
Our Episcopal schools are, by sheer numbers, the largest ministries to children and youth in our diocese. I am grateful that God gives us the opportunity to take part in the formation of these young people. Our world needs them.
