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Carlj1497
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I was told that an Anglican is like a European Episcopalian. Is this true? Or are there differences? Also, please click my signature about my nephew.
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aidanbradypop
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Anglican is a general term like Protestant. There is the Anglican Communion. The Church of England, Episcopal Church of the USA, Anglican Catholic…etc are part of the Anglican Communion.
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GWright
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Hiya
The Church of England is known as the Anglican Church. (Anglican is to denote their type of Christianity, in the same way that ‘Catholic’ does for us). The world communion of Churches which it spawned (containing all the Episcopal Churches, including that of the USA) is called The Anglican Communion.
Abroad - ie, in the USA, Scotland, wherever, the Anglican Church is called The Episcopal Church, and the Episcopal Church of each nation (where present - ie mainly ex-British Empire) is self-governing.
The Church of England is known as the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion.
Anglicans are not European Episcopalians, rather Episcopalians are American Anglicans.
Edit - I am sorry about your nephews situation; I will pray for your family.
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LoyalViews
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The above explanation is spot on. Most places outside the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the other Commonwealth realms, where the word “Anglican” or “CofE in (use country name)” such as the “Church of England in Canada”, which is the former official name which people still use.
The Anglican Communion, was formed when King Henry VII broke away from Rome founding the Church of England, the “National Church”. They do not claim to be fully Protestant but rather “Catholic and Reformed” but those are rocky waters, and it depends on which Anglican you ask.
With that said, Anglicanism is essentially branch with many limbs. There are Anglican-Catholics, some not even a member o the Anglican Communion, and other, evanglican-protestant style Anglicans. Then again I know first hand, in the CofE and Anglican Church of Canada, there are very Catholic-style Anglicans who have the smells and bells and Latin.
Then there are the “Prayer Book” Anglicans, who believe in an exclusive use of the Book of Common Prayer.
The Episcopalian Church is a member of the Anglican Communion, but I couldn’t tell you their polity, as I am unfamiliar with most things American.
The Anglican Communion, was formed when King Henry VII broke away from Rome founding the Church of England, the “National Church”. They do not claim to be fully Protestant but rather “Catholic and Reformed” but those are rocky waters, and it depends on which Anglican you ask.
With that said, Anglicanism is essentially branch with many limbs. There are Anglican-Catholics, some not even a member o the Anglican Communion, and other, evanglican-protestant style Anglicans. Then again I know first hand, in the CofE and Anglican Church of Canada, there are very Catholic-style Anglicans who have the smells and bells and Latin.
Then there are the “Prayer Book” Anglicans, who believe in an exclusive use of the Book of Common Prayer.
The Episcopalian Church is a member of the Anglican Communion, but I couldn’t tell you their polity, as I am unfamiliar with most things American.
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R_C
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An Anglican is someone who belongs to one of the ecclesial communities of the Anglican communion, the first of which entered in schism from the Catholic Church in 1534 by a dispute over the annulment of the marriage of King Henry VIII to Catherine of Aragon.
It eventually embraced Protestant elements until in 1558 it was defined “Reformed”, for it was shaped by some of the doctrinal principles of the 16th century Protestant Reformation, in particular in the Thirty-Nine Articles and the Book of Common Prayer.
In 1896 the Church affirmed that due to deficiency of intention, Anglican ordinations were absolutely null and utterly void, a statement reaffirmed in 1998.
In 2009 the Church established a canonical structure to enable the Anglicans who so desire to enter into full communion with the Church, while maintaining some degree of corporate identity and autonomy with regard to the geographical dioceses for other Catholics of the Latin Church, and preserving elements of their distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical heritage. However, since the Church does not consider the Anglican ordinations as valid, all who were ordained must receive ordination in the Catholic Church to continue their ministry.
It eventually embraced Protestant elements until in 1558 it was defined “Reformed”, for it was shaped by some of the doctrinal principles of the 16th century Protestant Reformation, in particular in the Thirty-Nine Articles and the Book of Common Prayer.
In 1896 the Church affirmed that due to deficiency of intention, Anglican ordinations were absolutely null and utterly void, a statement reaffirmed in 1998.
In 2009 the Church established a canonical structure to enable the Anglicans who so desire to enter into full communion with the Church, while maintaining some degree of corporate identity and autonomy with regard to the geographical dioceses for other Catholics of the Latin Church, and preserving elements of their distinctive Anglican spiritual and liturgical heritage. However, since the Church does not consider the Anglican ordinations as valid, all who were ordained must receive ordination in the Catholic Church to continue their ministry.
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GKC
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Pretty close, but not precise.Hiya
The Church of England is known as the Anglican Church. (Anglican is to denote their type of Christianity, in the same way that ‘Catholic’ does for us). The world communion of Churches which it spawned (containing all the Episcopal Churches, including that of the USA) is called The Anglican Communion.
Abroad - ie, in the USA, Scotland, wherever, the Anglican Church is called The Episcopal Church, and the Episcopal Church of each nation (where present - ie mainly ex-British Empire) is self-governing.
The Church of England is known as the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion.
Anglicans are not European Episcopalians, rather Episcopalians are American Anglicans.
Edit - I am sorry about your nephews situation; I will pray for your family.
Anglicanism was originally just the Church of England. The CoE spread, following the British Empire, and eventually became what we have now, the official Worldwide Anglican Communion, under the titular headship of the Archbishop of Canterbury, comprised of 38 self-governing basically national churches. Most frequently, the name of the national church will include the word “Anglican”, as in the Anglican Church of Canada, of South Africa, of Australia, of New Zealand, etc. But not always (as in the USA and Scotland). The mother church of them all is the Church of England, true. And in this country, the official representative church in the official Anglican Communion is the Episcopal Church, USA. Anglicans are not necessarily Episcopalians, but Episcopalians (as discussed here) are Anglicans.
And there are Anglicans who are not in the Anglican Communion.
Anglicans are a complicated mess.
GKC, Anglican
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GKC
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Partially yes, partially no. The constituent Churches in the Anglican communion are all independent, self governing jurisdictions. They are not the CoE in (fill in country). They are stand lone Churches.
Henry VIII was the man with the marital problems, not Hank VII. Typo, I’m sure. But Henry VIII didn’t form the Anglican Communion. That came about roughly300 years later. Until then, the Church of England stood alone. The Communion was formed as independent Churches arose from the colonial sees in the Empire, and as those colonies became independent, themselves.
GKC
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GKC
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Over 10 years ago, in my first post anywhere on line, I corrected some misconceptions about the CoE, the other Anglican Churches, and some details about the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Sovereign, with respect to the Communion. It’s been a steady topic ever since.Thanks for the clarification
And you are welcome.
GKC
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Edmundus1581
Guest
Having been an Anglican in Australia through the 1960’s and 1970’s I have some memory of the historical background.
In Australia it was historically known as The Church of England and was the largest denomination in Australia. When one filled in a form asking for “religion” the most common labels were “CofE” or “RC”. Most Australians, whether practicing or not, simply thought of our CofE being a part of the big CofE. Then in the early (or mid?) 1970’s it changed its name to “The Anglican Church in Australia”. This was a move from the decision makers to “rebrand” it to show independence from England, and also to acknowledge multi-culturalism in Australia. It took many years for ordinary Australians to stop calling it CofE but that has happened now.
Some things that have changed since the 1970’s
In Australia it was historically known as The Church of England and was the largest denomination in Australia. When one filled in a form asking for “religion” the most common labels were “CofE” or “RC”. Most Australians, whether practicing or not, simply thought of our CofE being a part of the big CofE. Then in the early (or mid?) 1970’s it changed its name to “The Anglican Church in Australia”. This was a move from the decision makers to “rebrand” it to show independence from England, and also to acknowledge multi-culturalism in Australia. It took many years for ordinary Australians to stop calling it CofE but that has happened now.
Some things that have changed since the 1970’s
- Australian Anglicans, and Australians in general, have got used to the name Anglican rather than Church of England, and are more conscious now of Anglicanism as a spiritual community rather than a national one. The “rebranding” has been successful .
- The numbers of parishes and parishioners have plummetted. In the 1960’s and 70’s most Australians attended some form of church out of habit and tradition, at least, and most of these attended a CofE parish.
- The Catholic church has become the largest denomination in Australia. Despite our low attendance rates, weekly attendance at Catholic Masses far surpasses Anglican, and, I suspect, is close to 50% of all religious attendance.
- Most of the forms which used to ask “religion” no longer ask.
- Sunday has become a day of sport, shopping and socialising for most Australians.
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GKC
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I defer to some comments I read here that make no historical sense to me. What I understand is what I have posted.Many thanks for the clarifications my friend, much appreciated.
Cheers!
You are very welcome.
GKC
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GKC
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Wiki says the name change was in 1981 and that it has been autocephelous since 1962. That was about 30 years after Australia basically became independent (Statue of Westminster). That it was that late I did not know; I would have thought sooner. I thank you for the info. Learning things is always good.Having been an Anglican in Australia through the 1960’s and 1970’s I have some memory of the historical background.
In Australia it was historically known as The Church of England and was the largest denomination in Australia. When one filled in a form asking for “religion” the most common labels were “CofE” or “RC”. Most Australians, whether practicing or not, simply thought of our CofE being a part of the big CofE. Then in the early (or mid?) 1970’s it changed its name to “The Anglican Church in Australia”. This was a move from the decision makers to “rebrand” it to show independence from England, and also to acknowledge multi-culturalism in Australia. It took many years for ordinary Australians to stop calling it CofE but that has happened now.
Some things that have changed since the 1970’s
I post with some sentimentality, because as a child I did love the CofE which I grew up in. I attended a CofE school, was confirmed in the CofE, and sang in the choir, and was taught Christianity by CofE pastors and lay helpers. The liturgy and music were wonderful, and society was better when most people attended church on Sundays.
- Australian Anglicans, and Australians in general, have got used to the name Anglican rather than Church of England, and are more conscious now of Anglicanism as a spiritual community rather than a national one. The “rebranding” has been successful
- The numbers of parishes and parishioners have plummetted. In the 1960’s and 70’s most Australians attended some form of church out of habit and tradition, at least, and most of these attended a CofE parish.
- The Catholic church has become the largest denomination in Australia. Despite our low attendance rates, weekly attendance at Catholic Masses far surpasses Anglican, and, I suspect, is close to 50% of all religious attendance.
- Most of the forms which used to ask “religion” no longer ask.
- Sunday has become a day of sport, shopping and socialising for most Australians.
GKC
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GKC
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By my readings, the national churches moved into autocephelous status as the colonies passed through Dominion status and were independent shortly following the national independence of the country. I find that that came later than I had thought, esp. for the name change.Thanks for checking
Interesting also about it being autocephelous since 1962.
One learns stuff.
GKC
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andrewstx
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To the OP the one with the nephew in danger of suicide. Has his situation passed?
What does his depression have to do with the Episcopal church?
The Episcopal church really does not have many strong teachings on much of anything. They seem to dislike stepping on toes.
Perhaps you can suggest a church with more definite moral doctrines?
I left the Episcopal church for an Orthodox church, and there are plenty of others that are
Anglican with more strong moral teachings.
What does his depression have to do with the Episcopal church?
The Episcopal church really does not have many strong teachings on much of anything. They seem to dislike stepping on toes.
Perhaps you can suggest a church with more definite moral doctrines?
I left the Episcopal church for an Orthodox church, and there are plenty of others that are
Anglican with more strong moral teachings.
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GKC
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You’re very welcome. Sometimes folks have to correct me. Occasionally.Quite right. Thanks for correcting me. God Bless:byzsoc:
GKC
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MartinJordan
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My sister lives in Sydney (a Catholic but my bro-law a former Catholic), and I rejoice to learn to that the Catholic church is the largest in Australia.
However, it is a bit saddening to learn that the CC there is considered a “denomination”. Or is it just easier to say it that way in general? Just asking and not trying to be a pain in the neck
MJ
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