Around One Table

Around One Table

Drawing from the Episcopal Identity Project (EIP) data, the Around One Table: Exploring Episcopal Identity report was produced through the analysis and writing of several professional researchers. Around One Table (and video Who Are We?) provides the Episcopal Church with a powerful mirror, with results from surveys and interviews reflecting back to Episcopalians their own perceptions of their Church.

Who are we?

This is the principal question addressed in Around One Table. Who are we as members of the Episcopal Church? (DOWNLOAD the AOT report in English and in Spanish.)

Key Questions

  • What is the purpose of this research project?
    The primary purpose of this comprehensive, multi-level study is to listen to the voices of individuals and organizations in the Church and to identify central, distinctive, and enduring aspects of identity and how shifts in identity impact the well-being of organizations, groups and individuals of the Church.
  • Who is doing the research?
    There are three primary school of business professors conducting the research:
    • Dr. Glen Kreiner, Assistant Professor at Penn State University;
    • Dr. Elaine Hollensbe, Assistant Professor at University of Cincinnati;
    • Dr. Mathew Sheep, Assistant Professor at Illinois State University.
    These professors are not Episcopalians and are not affiliated with the Episcopal Church in any way, other than in the areas of research. Their work is conducted under strict, independent, and objective research methodology. Over the past several years, they have published preliminary findings of the Episcopal Identity Project in reputable academic business journals.
  • How did this research begin?
    In the spring of 2004, Dr. Glen Kreiner, former professor at the Business School of the University of Cincinnati, expressed interest in exploring the identity of the Episcopal Church. The College for Bishops and CREDO Institute, Inc. developed a collaborative partnership to guide this research and share the findings with their institutions and the Church.
  • How was the research project designed and who participated in the parameters and scope of the project?
    The research professors collaborated with the staff, advisors, and directors of the two sponsoring organizations to define the purpose, context, and scope of the project. The proposed design and project funding were approved by both boards after receiving broadbased support from the senior leadership of the Church.
  • Who funds the project and under what authorization?
    Three university grants provide significant funding for the research conducted by the professors noted above. The directors of the College for Bishops and CREDO Institute have also provided modest funding to cover expenses related to transcriptions, data gathering, presentations, and other supplementary developmental costs.
  • Who is the audience?
    The findings from this research will be available to all Episcopalians and to others who have expressed an interest in the social and religious aspects of Episcopal identity.
  • Is the material dated?
    No. The surveys and interviews were initiated in the fall of 2004 and continued through 2009. Many of the topics identified in the surveys reflect long-held pillars of the faith and practice of the Church.
  • Will the voices of people in the pew be heard?
    Yes, in the fall of 2007 over 400 congregations were asked to distribute project questionnaires to their members. The researchers received more than 1,000 responses, which were analyzed and included in the findings and interpretations of the report.
  • What controls and oversight are in place to review and monitor the project?
    The advisors and directors of the College for Bishops and CREDO Institute, Inc. have continually monitored the progress and development of the project. The research findings and report were reviewed by these boards and other key stakeholders in the Church. In addition, a special working group committee was formed to review the report and to ensure that the material will be neutral, descriptive, accessible, and relevant to the Church and its members.
  • Does the senior leadership of the Church support this project?
    Yes, the Presiding Bishop and her senior staff were included in the ongoing development of the project and have been updated continually on its progress. The Presiding Bishop, as chair of the College for Bishops Board of Directors, expressed full support and enthusiasm for this research. Ms. Bonnie Anderson, the President of the House of Deputies and a CREDO Institute, Inc. advisor, was involved in the initial discussions of the research project and has been fully aware and supportive of its ongoing development.
  • Who wrote the report titled Around One Table?
    A formal report of the research findings was written in the fall of 2007 by the Rev. Dr. David Gortner, formerly Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director, Center for Anglican Learning & Leadership at Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP). He has both a theological and social psychologist background and is currently on the faculty of Virginia Theological Seminary. His report was reviewed by both the boards of the College for Bishops and CREDO Institute, Inc. Dr. Mathew Sheep and his two research colleagues edited this report and provided a shorter version and a longer version for review and dissemination.
  • What plans have been made to publish and disseminate the report?
    The report is available HERE, in English and Spanish. CREDO developed a curriculum for the study during 2011.