Anglicanism

A distinctive Protestant tradition originating in the English Reformation of the 16th century. With approximately 85 million members worldwide in the Anglican Communion, Anglicanism sees itself as a “via media” (middle way) between Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions, combining Catholic liturgical heritage with Reformed theology.

Core Beliefs

Via Media

Anglicanism positions itself as a bridge between Catholic and Protestant emphases, retaining episcopal structure, liturgical worship, and sacramental theology while embracing Reformation principles of Scripture’s authority and justification by faith.

Three-Legged Stool

Anglican theology draws on three sources: Scripture (primary authority), Tradition (church history and practices), and Reason (rational reflection). These three inform faith and practice in balance.

Broad Comprehensiveness

Anglicanism tolerates theological diversity within a common liturgical framework, encompassing “high church” (more Catholic), “low church” (more Protestant), and “broad church” (more liberal) parties.

Episcopal Polity

Anglicans maintain apostolic succession through bishops, believing this preserves continuity with the early church while allowing for Reformed doctrine.

Historical Development

• 1534 - Henry VIII breaks with Rome; Act of Supremacy establishes Church of England
• 1549 - First Book of Common Prayer under Archbishop Thomas Cranmer
• 1559 - Elizabethan Settlement establishes Anglican identity
• 1604 - King James Bible commissioned
• 17th century - English Civil War; tensions between Puritans and High Church
• 18th-19th centuries - Anglican missions expand globally
• 20th century - Formation of Anglican Communion; women’s ordination begins
• 21st century - Tensions over human sexuality and biblical interpretation

Practices

Book of Common Prayer

The Book of Common Prayer (BCP), first published in 1549 and revised over centuries, provides liturgical forms for worship, sacraments, and daily prayer. It has shaped Anglican spirituality and English literature.

Liturgical Worship

Anglican services follow set liturgies with seasonal variations, creeds, responsive prayers, and frequent Communion (in many parishes). Services range from elaborate “high church” celebrations to simpler “low church” forms.

Two Sacraments

Anglicans recognize Baptism and Eucharist as sacraments ordained by Christ. Five additional rites (Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, Confession, Anointing) are considered sacramental but not full sacraments.

Daily Office

Many Anglicans practice Morning and Evening Prayer from the BCP, following a cycle of psalms, Scripture readings, and prayers.

Church Structure

Anglican churches are organized under bishops (episcopal polity), with archbishops leading national or regional provinces. The Archbishop of Canterbury holds primacy of honor in the worldwide Anglican Communion but not juridical authority over other provinces.

Geographic Distribution

Anglicanism began in England and spread through British colonialism to North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Largest concentrations today are in England, Nigeria, Uganda, and the United States (Episcopal Church).

Relation to Other Christian Traditions

Anglicanism emerged from Roman Catholicism but rejected papal authority and some Catholic doctrines. It shares liturgical and episcopal features with Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, while embracing Protestant emphases on Scripture and grace. Relations with other Protestant traditions vary; Methodism emerged from Anglicanism but became a separate tradition.