Is Anglicanism or Orthodoxy closer to Catholicism?

[jas84173]

I have been to Episcopalian and Orthodox Churches and I found similarities to Catholic Mass in both of them. I feel like reading the history of why both Churches separated from Rome are almost laughable looking at it in today’s context. Who would we be more likely to see a reunion with the EXCEPTION? And really what are even the differences of them with Catholic belief?

 

[Della]

I have been to Episcopalian and Orthodox Churches and I found similarities to Catholic Mass in both of them.

This is true, however the Anglican/Episcopal Church is closer in philosophy and culture than the Orthodox. Theologically, they both have serious differences from Catholicism.

I feel like reading the history of why both Churches separated from Rome are almost laughable looking at it in today’s context.

Yes, hindsight is 20/20, as they say. The whole break up of European Christendom centered around power more than theology–that and ego on both sides, sad to say.

Who would we be more likely to see a reunion with the EXCEPTION?

As I see it, it’s a 50/50 proposition. There are many things standing in the way of reunification in both cases. I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean by “with the EXCEPTION?”

And really what are even the differences of them with Catholic belief?

There are too many to list in a discussion forum. Others should have resources you can use to research that for yourself. However, I’d say that generally in the East–Orthodoxy, it’s a matter of authority and how they approach doctrinal issues. In the West–Anglicanism, again it’s authority (isn’t it always?) and their idea that morality/doctrine can be changed by vote. Of course, it’s more complex than that in both cases, but boiled down, that’s how it appears to me.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Orthodoxy hands down. Don’t forget there are Eastern Catholics.

 

[ctb95]

I’d say Orthodoxy. Though, Anglicanism shares a great deal in culture, the mass etc.

However, Anglicans are getting further and further away as far as moral theology is concerned.

 

[TheTrinitySaves]

Orthodoxy is a bit closer.

 

[peter26]

Liturgically and devotionally, Anglicanism, especially the high church variety. If you attended a high church CofE service, about the only difference you would notice is the music is more traditional and people recieve communion “old style” kneeling along the altar rail. Other than that, its almost exactly the same. The big difference is there is less attempt to tell people what they have to believe. This has its pluses and minuses, but makes Anglicanism a much broader church so to speak.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

This is true, however the Anglican/Episcopal Church is closer in philosophy and culture than the Orthodox. Theologically, they both have serious differences from Catholicism.
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This.

But I suppose you could say the Anglican philosophy is different than both of us as they don’t believe in the sacrificial nature of the Mass. And that’s a big one which ultimately makes them protestant, even though they don’t like the label.

 

[GKC]

I’d say Orthodoxy. Though, Anglicanism shares a great deal in culture, the mass etc.

However, Anglicans are getting further and further away as far as moral theology is concerned.

Lots of Anglicans are, yes. Others, not so much.

 

[GKC]

This.

But I suppose you could say the Anglican philosophy is different than both of us as they don’t believe in the sacrificial nature of the Mass. And that’s a big one which ultimately makes them protestant, even though they don’t like the label.

Except for those who do affirm the sacrificial nature of the Mass, as an identity with the One Sacrifice of Calvary, represented to us, as history and eternity intersect at the altar, at the hands of the alter Christus

Lots of mileage, traveling across the Anglican spectrum. Never can tell what you’ll find.

 

[Picky_Picky]

Lots of Anglicans are, yes. Others, not so much.

Ah, you mean Anglicans have a tendency to be less than uniform?

 

[Vanny]

Interesting thread. I was wondering as well, are RC and orthodoxy the only ones who are considered to have valid apostolic succession? Do Anglican Churches also have Apostolic Succession?

 

[undead_rat]

**While Anglicans do not formally recognize the Bishop of Rome as their official Church leader, we do retain a great respect for that office.
When I asked my priest if I could request a prayer for the safety of Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, he replied that these persons were already included in the Episcopal prayer for all Bishops of the Church. **

 

[paulrxp]

Orthodoxy hands down. Don’t forget there are Eastern Catholics.

Orthodoxy for sure. It’s the only other Christian religion I’d ever consider , if at all. Also, some of their sacraments are valid in certain cases. Not so with the Anglicans.

 

[Sy_Noe]

Interesting thread. I was wondering as well, are RC and orthodoxy the only ones who are considered to have valid apostolic succession? Do Anglican Churches also have Apostolic Succession?

Anglicans believe they do. The RCC disputes that. But I was told by an Episcopal priest that since I was confirmed in the RCC, I would not need to be reconfirmed in TEC precisely because they both have apostolic succession.

 

[GKC]

Interesting thread. I was wondering as well, are RC and orthodoxy the only ones who are considered to have valid apostolic succession? Do Anglican Churches also have Apostolic Succession?

With some potential, individual, technical, and theoretical possible exceptions, the RCC says that Anglican orders are null and void and have been for around 450 years, See Leo XIII, Apostolicae curae, 1896.

On this subject, Anglicans have a different view of the matter (and the form, and the intent).

There are a few other Churches that the RCC considers as possessing Apostolic Succession.

 

[jaimeleglise]

I believe that the more conservative (theologically speaking) Anglicans would be much more likely to reunite with the Catholic Church than the Orthodox would. I think our differences would be too much of stumbling block for the Orthodox to overcome. Just my opinion.

 

[GKC]

Ah, you mean Anglicans have a tendency to be less than uniform?

There must be good term for this. Striated? Piebald? Dappled? Variegated? Kaleidoscopic? Discrepant? Surely there is some term that would fit this crew.

 

[GKC]

I believe that the more conservative (theologically speaking) Anglicans would be much more likely to reunite with the Catholic Church than the Orthodox would. I think our differences would be too much of stumbling block for the Orthodox to overcome. Just my opinion.

Ask around the Ordinariates. You probably will find concurrence.

 

[GKC]

Anglicans believe they do. The RCC disputes that. But I was told by an Episcopal priest that since I was confirmed in the RCC, I would not need to be reconfirmed in TEC precisely because they both have apostolic succession.

That is the Anglican practice.

Generally.

 

[Sy_Noe]

I have been to Episcopalian and Orthodox Churches and I found similarities to Catholic Mass in both of them. I feel like reading the history of why both Churches separated from Rome are almost laughable looking at it in today’s context. Who would we be more likely to see a reunion with the EXCEPTION? And really what are even the differences of them with Catholic belief?

I recently dropped off a few items at an Episcopal outreach for the needy near me. It is a very small church. Their worship area and outreach are housed in the same space. On one end was their newly remodeled chapel. I noticed votive candles in one corner which reminded me of my days in an RC church and from what I gather their services are very similar. I have heard TEC described as “Catholic lite”. A place which may fit those preferring the worship of one God and Christ in the form of a Roman Catholic Mass but a place with more progressive thinking on social issues, female ordination and married priests, where there is less attempt to force people as to what they must believe in order to be part of the worshiping family and to commune at the table. I’ve had an Episcopal priest tell me that even if 2 people disagree on something, if they believe in 1 God and in Christ, they are on the same page and can be part of the family.