History of the Church of England

The Church of England is the primary state church in England, and it is also a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It considers itself both Catholic and Reformed.

The Church of England was formally established in 1534 when King Henry VIII declared it independent of the Roman Catholic Church through the Act of Supremacy.

Henry VIII established the Church of England largely because the Pope refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. This led Henry to break away from the Roman Catholic Church and establish himself as the head of the Church of England.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, as well as a symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Some key events include the English Reformation in the 16th century, the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, the English Civil War, and the Act of Uniformity.

The Church of England differs in terms of ecclesiastical structure, theology, and certain practices. It allows clergy to marry, has different sacraments, and does not regard the Pope as its leader.

The Elizabethan Religious Settlement was established in 1559 under Queen Elizabeth I, as a compromise that aimed to unify different religious factions within England and establish the Church of England's Protestant doctrine.

During the English Civil War, the Church of England faced significant upheaval, including the temporary abolition of bishops. Following the war, the monarchy and the Church were restored, but the experiences had lasting impacts.

The Book of Common Prayer, initially published in 1549, is the liturgical text used by the Church of England. It contains the order of services and is a key document for Anglican worship.

The reigning monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a role primarily symbolic, affirming the establishment of the Church as part of the state.

The Church of England first ordained women as priests in 1994 and consecrated its first female bishop in 2015. It encourages the ministry of women at all levels.

The Anglican Communion is a global family of churches with historical ties to the Church of England, sharing common beliefs and practices, though each church is independent.

The Act of Supremacy in 1534 was pivotal as it recognized Henry VIII as the 'Supreme Head' of the Church of England, marking a definitive break from the authority of the Pope.

The Oxford Movement was a 19th-century initiative that aimed to reintroduce high church elements into the Church of England, emphasizing its Catholic heritage and focusing on liturgy and tradition.

The Church of England is governed by a General Synod which includes bishops, clergy, and laity. Important decisions about doctrine and practice are made through this body.