After the War of Independence, the Anglican Church in the United States desired independence from the English church. Most of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence were Anglican. However, to unify the warring factions between the Catholics and Protestants in England, she permitted things like a formal liturgy and priestly robes.Īs Britain settled colonies in North America, priests accompanied the colonists to establish Anglican churches in Virginia and other territories. When Mary died, her sister Elizabeth became queen and turned England back into a more Protestant country, breaking from Rome and promoting Reformed doctrine. When Henry’s son Edward VI became king at the age of nine, his regency council encouraged the “English Reformation.” But when he died at age sixteen, his devoutly Catholic sister Mary became queen and restored Catholicism during her reign. He made the English church independent of the Pope with himself as the “Supreme Head of the Church of England.” While other European countries like Germany had pulled out of the Roman church for religious reasons, Henry VIII mostly kept the doctrine and sacraments the same as in the Catholic church. So, King Henry broke political and religious ties with Rome. In 1534, King Henry VIII wanted to annul his marriage to his wife Catherine so he could marry Anne Boleyn, but the Pope forbade this. That status remained for almost a thousand years. However, in 664 AD, the churches in England decided to join back with the Roman Catholic church. For instance, priests could marry, and they followed a different calendar for Lent and Easter. As the Romans withdrew from Britain, the Celtic church became independent and developed distinct traditions. While Britain was a Roman colony, it was under the influence of the church in Rome. History of the Episcopalian and Anglican churchĬhristians took the message of Jesus Christ to Britain before 100 AD. Other Anglicans fiercely identify with Protestantism, and some are a blend of both. Some Anglicans are remarkably close to Catholics in doctrine and practice, except without a Pope.

Most Anglican churches belong to the Anglican Communion and consider themselves part of the one holy, catholic, and apostolic church. Anglican churches exist outside of England as the result of missionary work.Īnglican churches practice a specific liturgy or worship rituals and follow the Book of Common Prayer. What is an Anglican?Īn Anglican is a member of the Church of England, founded by King Henry VIII in the 16 th century as the Protestant Reformation swept through Europe. Each church can make some decisions, but they are not self-governing compared to “congregational” churches like the Baptists.

The Anglican and Episcopal churches are led by bishops, who oversee a group of churches within a region. Before the Reformation (and afterward for Catholics), the Pope ruled the churches of western Europe and Africa. The word “episcopal” comes from the Greek word meaning “overseer” or “bishop.” It has to do with the type of church government. Some countries besides the USA have Episcopal churches, usually planted by American Episcopal missionaries. What is an Episcopalian?Īn Episcopalian is a member of an Episcopal church, the American offshoot of the Anglican Church of England. In this article, we will explore their shared history, what they have in common, and what sets them apart. Have you ever wondered how the Anglican and Episcopalian churches are different? These two denominations have common origins and share many practices and doctrines.

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