Who we are

Like all Christians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death and resurrection saved the world.

We believe that God loves you–no exceptions.

The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance, which means the people in the pews on Sunday morning take active leadership roles in their churches and the diocese.

Episcopalians talk a lot about the via media, or the middle way. Some people think of us as the center point between Roman Catholics and Protestants (like Lutherans or Methodists) in terms of how we worship and what we believe. We unite ancient traditions with radical welcome for all people, just as they are. We actively work toward racial reckoning, justice and healing, and we care about the environment and our effect on it.

Generally, our church buildings and worship services look traditional, with wooden pews, stained glass and organ music, but you will also find churches in modern buildings full of natural light or worshipping in nontraditional spaces, like a school gymnasium.

Most congregations celebrate the Holy Eucharist, or Communion, every Sunday. Episcopal services follow the Book of Common Prayer, so when we worship together in a local church, we are also saying the same prayers and hearing the same scripture as people all around the world.

The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina includes 49,000 people gathered into 105 congregations and 10 campus ministries throughout 38 counties in the central part of North Carolina, from Iredell County to Edgecombe County, and from Caswell County to Scotland County. 

Our vision as a diocese is to be a community of disciples committed to following Jesus Christ into the dream of God for us and for all creation, in Becoming Beloved Community.

Our mission is simple: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Diocese of North Carolina seeks to live God’s dream by making disciples and making a difference. We do so by practicing The Way of Love and building joyful congregations and other communities of faith into Becoming Beloved Community, centered on the Gospel, in the communion of The Episcopal Church. We go forth, as apostles, to offer God’s reconciling love to all persons, with special concerns for the unchurched, young people and those on the margins of society.

Welcome with Love & Grace
For decades. LGBTQ+ Episcopalians and allies have worked to make the Episcopal Church a place of belonging and inclusion. We have prayed, studied, and discerned, and in doing so, we have seen the evidence of God's blessing in the lives and love of our LGBTQ+ siblings in Christ.


During 2026, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of our church affirming that LGBTQ+ people have a full and equal claim to the love, acceptance, and pastoral care of the church. The journey to make that promise a reality continues today, as we remember the struggles, celebrate the joy, and give thanks for love and for lives that refuse to be erased.



Today in The Episcopal Church, discernment for the ministries of bishop, priest, deacon, and lay leadership is open to all without discrimination. We celebrate and give thanks for the beauty, strength, and sacred worth of LGBTQ+ leaders across all contexts and callings.



If you are looking for a safe place to connect, worship, and love in Christ, we invite you to see if St. Matthew's is right for you. We invite you to join us in our journey.



St. Matthew's Episcopal Church

1110 Salisbury St., Kernersville, NC 27284

(336) 996-4422

Copyright © 2026 St Matthew's Episcopal Church - All Rights Reserved.

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