The Anglican Church also rejects authority of Rome

Anglican Church

The Anglican Church, whose American branch is known as the Episcopal Church, also rejects authority of Rome but agrees with Roman Catholicism on many issues of doctrine. Both of these church branches embrace a commitment for positive social change.

Founded in 1534 when King Henry VIII was declared head of the Church of England. In 1549 Thomas Cranmer produced the first Book of Common Prayer. Today there are 65 million adherents worldwide with around 3 million in the USA.
They believe that Scripture contains the truth that is necessary for salvation and is the primary rule for faith, but must be interpreted in light of tradition and reason. Their canon includes 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books. The Apocrypha books are respected but not viewed as Scripture.

They believe in One Creator and Lord of all, existing eternally as the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

They believe in Jesus as the eternal Son incarnate, fully God and Fully man, conceived and born of the Virgin Mary, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, and will come again in glory to judge us all. Anglican Church They believe that through baptism, and with Christ’s suffering and death for our sins, they are reconciled to God, and become living members of the church through believing, obedience and faith.

The Anglican Church is the body of Christ, whose unity is based on the “apostolic succession” of bishops going back to the apostles, of whom the bishop of Rome is one of many. It is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. The Anglican communion is a part of the church, whose unity worldwide is represented by the archbishop of Canterbury.

The sacraments are “outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace”. Infants and converts are made part of the church in baptism. Christ’s body and blood are really present in Communion.

The Anglican Church allows its members to accept or reject the Catholic doctrines of Mary. The Book of Common Prayer is the norm for liturgy. In 1976 the Episcopal Church approved the ordination of women.

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