The Episcopal Church (formally known as The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America) traces it's roots to the Anglican Church which was founded during the Reformation in the 16th century by Henry VIII when he broke away from the Catholic Church and appointed himself head of the Church of England. Brought to the U.S. by colonists in the 17th and 18th centuries, The Episcopal Church has grown to approximately 2.3 million members. It is also the religion of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. as well as the faith of a quarter of our Presidents. For more information on The Episcopal Church's beliefs, sacraments, and history we suggest the following links: