As long as it says 1979 Book of Common Prayer, then it is the right one. The various options you are seeing are likely about the binding and the size. You've got pew editions, which are generally hardcover. You've got the small personal size which have a faux leather sort of cover and are smaller, then you've got the ones that are a little bit larger with something more like real leather. And then there are ones that have red covers or black covers, but the content is exactly the same. Some will have a Bible or a hymnal also as a part of it. There are lots of different options out there, but what is on the inside should be the same as long as it says 1979.
If you just want a basic one for personal use, get this one- https://smile.amazon.com/1979-Book-Common-Prayer-Economy/dp/0898694396/
>I only have a copy of the NIV Bible- is this accepted or is it KJV only?
No, we are not KJV-only. We do have a list of Bible translations that are approved for official use, that the NIV is on. In practice, our most common translation is the NRSV, as that's what is read from during services. You don't need to buy a new Bible, the Church recognizes the NIV as a valid translation.
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/bible/ This has the list of all English-language Bible translations officially approved of by The Episcopal Church .
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would I need to be baptized again or go through any other sacraments?
No. "We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins" as the Nicene Creed puts it. Much like the Catholic Church, we recognize the validity of baptisms of most other denominations (except Jehovah's Witnesses, and there's no consensus on accepting Mormon baptisms, and these issues are because of their theology being VERY different from conventional Christianity).
We absolutely will accept a Catholic baptism. Our Eucharist is open to all baptized Christians. You need nothing else to attend services, participate in Church life, and partake the Eucharist with us.
Confirmation in the Episcopal Church (called Reception when performed on an adult who has previously made a declaration of faith as an adult) is available to you as a sacrament if you wish, but it's not required to be a member or partake of the Eucharist with us. Most adult members get confirmed as a show of faith, but it's not required unless you're wanting to take on a ministry role.
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i am married but it was a court house wedding- would my marriage be viewed as invalid and if so how is that fixed, if possible?
Yes, we'll view that as valid. The Episcopal Church is rather similar in belief and practice to the Roman Catholic Church, but is generally MUCH less legalistic and wrapped up in formalities and technicalities. A secular marriage is honored, generally because the ministers of the sacrament of marriage are the couple themselves, with the clergy there as a witness.
Also, we recognize the validity of secular divorces, and allow remarriage after divorce.
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I have social anxiety- would it be okay to learn about how your mass works before going in person? Is it required to go to church every Sunday?
There are MANY Episcopal Churches that now livesteam their services, a practice which began during the pandemic and has continued even as the pandemic ends.
The National Cathedral in Washington DC is a good option. They livestream both their Sunday Eucharist starting at 11:15 AM Eastern time, and daily prayers at 7 AM Eastern time (https://cathedral.org/worship/)
We don't have a formal obligation, unlike the RCC, to go every Sunday. We go because we love Jesus and want to honor and worship the Lord, not because we must or else.
I think under our canon laws you have to attend mass at least three times a year to be considered an active member of the Church, but I think it's reasonable to say that if you attend less often than that, you shouldn't be considered "active".
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is there a book or other resources you would recommend?
Oh, there are many.
First, I'd recommend you get the Book of Common Prayer (1979 Edition). In Catholic terms, that's our missal, catechism, and a few other books. That has our entire worship service, our catechism, and various prayers and rites for most occasions.
https://www.amazon.com/1979-Book-Common-Prayer-Economy/dp/0898694396/ This is a pretty common personal edition of the BCP that's meant to be easily carried around.
Or, you can purchase it directly from the publishing arm of the Episcopal Church at (https://www.churchpublishing.org/categories?n=273), which also has a variety of editions for various purposes (bigger ones for the pews, versions in other languages etc.)
Second, if you want to learn more about the Episcopal Church beyond that a good book would be Welcome to the Episcopal Church by Christopher Weber, or Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices by Melody Wilson Shobe and Scott Gunn as good introductions to our denomination.
The 1979 edition is what is currently authorized. Here is an inexpensive edition. 1979 Book of Common Prayer Economy Edition: Black Imitation Leather https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0898694396/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_D6TZ3H7BST96SCNQC6D5
Personally I love having my own stuff. My wife and I bought a BCP/Hymnal combo from amazon and we love it well worth the price and will be with you for a long time and likely to whomever you pass it on to (along with a carry case) and we usually bring them to church but it’s come in handy since the stay home orders and all the closings. We also have the small fake leather economy one which is super nice super durable and about 20$ in both green and wine colors that we tend to open up during the week at home. If cost is a concern there’s online versions for free from the episcopal church website and on church publishing site and manny office apps that are worth checking into like My Daily Office (white cross blue background icon) that’s neat and useful for normal says of the week. If you don’t plan on using the hymnal part in these strange times I highly recommend the small econo bcp
10$ 1979 Book of Common Prayer Economy Edition: Black Imitation Leather https://www.amazon.com/dp/0898694396/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RkpDEb0VX0W43
20$ 1979 Book of Common Prayer: Green Vivella https://www.amazon.com/dp/0898696216/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KjpDEbDVFNMRA
60$+ Prayer Book and Hymnal https://www.amazon.com/dp/089869244X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zlpDEb59VMTEX
All these examples are Church Publishing books We chose the 2nd and 3rd but this was back in February before everything was forced to close and income being a concern each has varying colors except the first I believe. Used copies usually available.