Lee Nelson's recent reflection on why he hopes never to be called an "Episcopal Priest" gave me pause to consider my own thoughts regarding this subject. He states:
When the Episcopal Church continually abandons the revelation of God and the teachings of Scripture, many have now found it difficult to use the word "Episcopal" or any of its variations. But, why should we? As an Anglo-Catholic, I must believe that we have the same priesthood (ignoring the several innovations which Anglicanism has undertaken) as other catholic bodies. If, God willing, I am made a priest, I will not be an "Episcopal Priest," (as if the modifier makes a man any better...) but a priest of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, an ambassador to the Kingdom of God and sacramental embodiment of Jesus Christ.
I empathize with Lee's position. Several members of our continuing Episcopal church have commented on how they feel uncomfortable calling the church "Episcopal," noting that other parishes of our National Church instead call themselves "Anglican." I feel the same way much of the time, especially when I read about yet another ECUSA apostasy that outdoes the one I read about the day before.
However, I am now more fully understanding that the continuing Episcopal movement is called "continuing" for a reason. Orthodox Episcopalians did not leave the Episcopal Church. ECUSA abandoned its religion, forcing countless devout Episcopalians to "continue" practicing their original faith as established by the Apostles, inherited by the Church of England, and brought to this country by the founding fathers. "Episcopalian" has not become a dirty word -- a description to be ashamed of -- just because those in power at ECUSA have abandoned the Faith.
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. INTREP - ECUSA