Formation and Key Features of Anglicanism
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Formation of Anglicanism The Anglican Church is a Christian denomination that has features of Roman Catholicism as well as Protestantism. The religion traces its roots back to the English Reformation in 1534, where King Henry VIII made himself head of the Church of England (through the Act of Supremacy). He requested to divorce his wife, but was denied by the Pope Clement VII. This conflict caused Henry to break away from the Catholic Church, and create the Church of England. He dissolved and destroyed England’s monasteries, Roman Catholic shrines and ordered the Great Bible (in English) to be placed in all Churches. Under his rule, the Church of England remained exactly the same as the Roman Catholic Church (in terms of rules and rituals), except for its loyalty to Rome and the Pope. As England explored and colonised, the Anglican religion, especially the Church of England, began to spread around the world. Key Features of Anglicanism Church leaders: The Monarch of England is the head of Anglicanism. Does not believe in the infallibility of the Pope. Change vs. Tradition: Characterised by the desire to reform the Church (e.g. women becoming Bishops or Priests), while the Catholic Church likes tradition. Catholic and Apostolic faith: Anglicans uphold the Catholic and Apostolic faith. They follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and are committed to the proclamation of the good news of the Gospel. Sacraments: Same seven sacraments as rest of Christianity, with Baptism and the Eucharist being the most important. Anglicans share the Catholic belief that through Baptism, a person is made one with Christ and welcomed into the Church. This sacrament is open to children as well as adults. The Eucharist is central to worship for Anglicans, where they recall the life, death and resurrection of Jesus through proclamation of the word. Interdependent and Autonomous Church: Churches are interdependent in that parishes, dioceses and provinces support each other in terms of financial assistance and the sharing of resources. They are also autonomous, not requiring many monasteries. Nicene Creed: Presents the basic Anglican teaching about the nature of God, as the creator of Heaven and Earth, and explains the teachings of the Trinity, and affirms their beliefs. It is typically recited in worship services. Trinity: Anglicans share with Catholics belief in the Holy Trinity. Like Catholics, they believe that the Holy Trinity are cob-substantial, meaning that the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit are all of the same substance and are the same person. Worship and Prayer: The Book of Common Prayer (1662) is the foundation prayer book for Anglicans. It sets out formal processes of worship, that should be incorporated their daily lives. This includes them taking part in the daily office, which is a term used for morning and evening prayer. Scripture reading and reflection are part of "daily devotion", and are essential in strengthening their relationship with God. |
Bibliography
Websites
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