Anglican / Episcopal Church
Creeds
Overview
Anglicanism is often described as a "via media" (middle way) between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It retains Catholic elements such as episcopal governance, liturgical worship, and the sacraments, while embracing Protestant principles like the authority of Scripture and justification by faith.
The Anglican Communion is a worldwide family of churches in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is known for its theological breadth — encompassing Anglo-Catholic, evangelical, and broad church traditions under one roof — and for the Book of Common Prayer as a unifying liturgical text.
Historical Context
The Church of England separated from Rome in 1534 when King Henry VIII was declared Supreme Head of the Church of England via the Act of Supremacy. While Henry's motivations were political (his desire for an annulment), the theological reformation was led by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, who authored the Book of Common Prayer (1549) and shaped Anglican theology.
The Elizabethan Settlement of 1559 established the Church of England's identity as a middle way. The 39 Articles of Religion (1571) defined Anglican doctrine. Through the British Empire, Anglicanism spread globally. The Episcopal Church is the American branch, having organized independently after the American Revolution.
Key Beliefs
Via Media (Middle Way)
Anglicanism holds a middle position between Catholic and Protestant extremes — valuing both Scripture and tradition, both faith and sacraments.
Scripture, Tradition, and Reason
The "three-legged stool" (attributed to Richard Hooker): theology is informed by Scripture (primary), tradition, and reason working together.
The Creeds
The Apostles' and Nicene Creeds are the sufficient statements of Christian faith. Anglicans are creedal rather than confessional.
Sacramental Theology
Two "great sacraments" (Baptism and Eucharist) ordained by Christ, plus five "sacramental rites" (confirmation, ordination, marriage, reconciliation, anointing).
Apostolic Succession
Anglican bishops stand in a line of succession from the apostles, maintaining the historic episcopate.
Ordinances
Baptism
Full initiation into the body of Christ. Infant baptism is the norm, with godparents making promises on the child's behalf.
Eucharist (Holy Communion)
The central act of Anglican worship. Most Anglicans affirm a real but spiritual presence of Christ in the elements, deliberately avoiding overly precise definitions.
Church Governance
Episcopal
The Anglican Communion is governed by bishops (from the Greek episkopos). Each national or regional church (province) is self-governing, led by an archbishop or presiding bishop. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual head and "first among equals" but has no direct authority over other provinces. Decision-making occurs through synods at diocesan, national, and international levels.
Worship Style
Liturgical (wide range)
Anglican worship centers on the Book of Common Prayer and ranges from "high church" (elaborate ritual, incense, vestments, chanted liturgy closely resembling Catholic Mass) to "low church" (simpler services emphasizing preaching and hymns) to "broad church" (moderate and inclusive). The Eucharist is celebrated regularly in most parishes. Choral evensong is a distinctive Anglican contribution to Christian worship.
Catechism Highlights
On the Sacraments"Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace." — Book of Common Prayer Catechism
On Scripture"Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man." — 39 Articles, Article VI
Distinctive Teachings
- Via media — a deliberate middle way between Catholic and Protestant1 Corinthians 12:12–27
- The Book of Common Prayer as a unifying liturgical textColossians 3:16
- Theological comprehensiveness — room for Anglo-Catholic, evangelical, and liberal perspectivesEphesians 4:4–6
- The 39 Articles of Religion as a doctrinal framework (not a strict confession)Apostles' CreedNicene Creed
- The "three-legged stool" of Scripture, tradition, and reason2 Timothy 3:16–172 Thessalonians 2:15Isaiah 1:18