4.1 Anglicanism (the Anglican Church)

Before you read: we already touched upon the differences between the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church during the second Module, dedicated to the Church history. Discuss the information relevant to the topic that you already know from the course (3 minutes). 

 Anglicanism vs Catholicism

Introducion. The differences between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church are significant, stemming from their historical origins, theological beliefs, practices, and organizational structures. These differences have led to distinct religious traditions with unique approaches to faith and worship.

2. The Catholic Church traces its roots back to the apostles and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It regards the Bishop of Rome, or the Pope, as the successor of Saint Peter and the highest authority in matters of faith and morals. The Anglican Church, on the other hand, emerged from the English Reformation in the 16th century when King Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church due to a dispute over his marriage. The Anglican Church regards itself as both Catholic and Reformed, seeking to maintain continuity with early Christianity while embracing aspects of Protestant theology.

3. One of the fundamental theological differences between the two churches lies in the doctrine of papal infallibility. The Catholic Church believes that the Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals, while the Anglican Church does not recognize papal infallibility. Additionally, the Catholic Church emphasizes the doctrines of transubstantiation (the belief that the bread and wine in the Eucharist become the actual body and blood of Christ) and the veneration of saints and Mary, the mother of Jesus, practices that are less prominent in Anglicanism.

4. The Catholic Church places a strong emphasis on the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, confession, and baptism. The Mass is central to Catholic worship, and the liturgy is highly structured and formal. In contrast, the Anglican Church has a more diverse approach to worship, with variations in liturgical styles ranging from high church Anglo-Catholic to low church Evangelical. Anglican worship often incorporates elements of the Book of Common Prayer, a compilation of liturgical texts used in Anglican churches.

5. The hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church is centered around the Pope, bishops, priests, and deacons, with a clear chain of authority and a centralized decision-making process. In contrast, the Anglican Church has a more decentralized structure, with each national or regional church having a degree of autonomy. The Anglican Communion, a global association of autonomous national and regional churches, is led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who holds a symbolic role as the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion.

6. The Anglican and Catholic beliefs about the Holy Trinity share a fundamental acceptance of the doctrine of the Trinity - the belief in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. However, there are some theological perspectives and variations in their doctrines. From a theological perspective, the Catholic Church strongly emphasizes the authority of the Pope, whom they believe to be the successor of Saint Peter and the earthly head of the Church. This central authority influences their view on the Holy Trinity. The Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, known as the Filioque. This emphasis on papal authority and the double procession of the Holy Spirit distinguishes Catholic beliefs on the Trinity.

7. Despite these differences, both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church are part of the broader Christian tradition, sharing common beliefs in the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the importance of Scripture. While there have been efforts to promote ecumenical dialogue and bridge the theological divide between the two traditions, significant differences remain, particularly on matters of authority and doctrine.

Conclusion. The Catholic Church and the Anglican Church represent distinct expressions of Christian faith, shaped by their unique histories, theological perspectives, worship practices, and organizational structures. These differences have contributed to the diversity within Christianity, reflecting the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that make up the global Christian community.

Task 1: Define the terms in bold.

Task 2: Match paragraphs 2-6 with headings a-g. There is one extra heading. 

              a). Organizational structure

              b). Unite but diverse 

              c). The difference in practice(s)

              d). Origins 

              e). Relationships with the government

              f). Theological opposition 

             g. Agreed on the most important

Task 3: Compare the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church in terms of the following aspects:

             a). Structure, organization 

             b). Theology, doctrine 

             c). Tradition

Task 4: Answer the questions:

             1. When did the Anglican Church separate from the Catholic Church? How did it happen?

             2. What is "papal infallibility"? Does the Anglican Church acknowledge it?

             3. What is the sacrament that the Catholic Church, unlike the Anglican Church, put a big emphasis on?

             4. What is common about both Churches' beliefs regarding the Holy Trinity doctrine?

             5. Describe the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church. How is it different from how the Anglican Church is organized?

            6. What historical explanation does the Catholic Church provide to justify granting the Pope so much authority?