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Why did American Anglicans need bishops after the Revolution?

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The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., features Gothic-style architecture with tall towers, pointed arches, and a large rose window above the main entrance. — The Episcopal Church Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Following the American Revolution, American Anglicans required bishops because the Episcopal Church could not function fully without them. In the Anglican tradition, only a bishop possesses the authority to perform ordination of priests and to confirm church members.1

During the colonial era, no bishops were sent to the 13 colonies, which limited the church's ability to sustain its leadership and membership. After the Revolution, the need became even more critical as the church sought to reorganize as an autonomous American institution, separate from the Church of England while maintaining its spiritual legacy.1

The process of securing this leadership was complex; because American citizens could not take an oath of allegiance to the British crown, Samuel Seabury was eventually consecrated by the Episcopal Church in Scotland in 1784, becoming the first American Anglican bishop. Subsequently, in 1787, English bishops consecrated William White and Samuel Provoost to further establish the church's hierarchy in the United States.21