06/17/2026
“Peace be with you."
The Sign of Peace symbolizes communal reconciliation and unity in Christ before sharing the Eucharistic meal.
The Sign of Peace can be broken down into a few distinct components:
1. When it Happens
In the Episcopal service, the Peace takes place immediately after the prayers of the people and the corporate confession. It is positioned here for a deeply biblical reason: following Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:23-24, believers are called to reconcile with one another before bringing their gifts to the altar and partaking in Holy Communion.
2. What is Said and Done
• The Greeting: The presider usually says, "The peace of the Lord be with you always," and the congregation replies cheerfully, "And also with you."
• The Actions: Following this, congregants turn to those nearby. Customs vary depending on personal comfort and parish culture, but common practices include handshakes, hugs, or polite nods.
• Alternative Gestures: Many Episcopalians utilize a simple peace sign, or a wave.
3. Spiritual Meaning
Rooted in the early Christian practice of the "holy kiss," the Peace serves two main purposes:
• Reconciliation: It acknowledges human imperfection and emphasizes asking for forgiveness to overcome divisions.
• Communal Unity: It acts as a pledge of mutual love and reminds the congregation that they are bound together as one body in Christ.
4. Etiquette
The primary expectation is that the Peace should be a reverent and prayerful act. Socializing and catching up with friends are generally reserved for non-service gatherings before and after a service.