Anglican

Anglicanism

Anglicanism is a tradition within Christianity comprising the Church of England and churches which are historically tied to it or hold similar beliefs, worship practices, and church structures. The term "Anglican" originates from the medieval Latin phrase ecclesia anglicana, meaning "the English Church".

History

The roots of Anglicanism trace back to the early Christian church in England, but it formally emerged during the English Reformation in the 16th century. The Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church under the reign of Henry VIII due to political and personal reasons, notably the king's desire for an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

The English Reformation

The English Reformation was a series of events in 16th-century England by which the Church of England broke away from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. The Reformation in England was initiated by Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy in 1534, which declared the king the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

The Elizabethan Settlement

The Elizabethan Settlement established the Church of England's independence from Rome and defined its doctrine and practices. Under Elizabeth I, the Church of England adopted a middle path between Roman Catholicism and Protestant Reformation principles, which is often referred to as the "via media".

Beliefs and Practices

Anglicanism is characterized by a unique blend of Catholic and Protestant traditions. It emphasizes the Book of Common Prayer, the Thirty-Nine Articles, and the Apostles' Creed as foundational documents.

The Book of Common Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer is a key text in Anglican worship, first compiled by Thomas Cranmer in 1549. It includes liturgies for daily and Sunday worship, as well as for special occasions such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

The Thirty-Nine Articles

The Thirty-Nine Articles are a set of doctrinal statements that define the beliefs of the Church of England. They were established in 1563 and cover topics such as the authority of the church, the sacraments, and the role of scripture.

Structure and Governance

Anglican churches are organized into provinces, each led by a bishop. The Archbishop of Canterbury is considered the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, which is a global family of churches.

The Anglican Communion

The Anglican Communion is a worldwide network of churches in more than 165 countries. It is not a single church but a family of churches that are in full communion with the Church of England.

Anglicanism Worldwide

Anglicanism has spread globally, with significant communities in Africa, North America, and Australasia. Each province is autonomous, but they are united by shared traditions and beliefs.

Notable Figures

• Thomas Cranmer - First Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury and a leader of the English Reformation.
• Richard Hooker - A theologian who defended the Elizabethan Settlement and articulated the "via media".
• Desmond Tutu - A prominent Anglican bishop and social rights activist from South Africa.

See Also

• Protestant Reformation
• Roman Catholic Church
• Episcopal Church (United States)

References

• MacCulloch, Diarmaid. The Reformation: A History. Viking, 2003.
• Booty, John E. The Church in History. Morehouse Publishing, 1998.

External Links

• Official website of the Anglican Communion