What is an Anglican?

Anglicanism is the branch of Christ's Holy Catholic (Universal) Church taking root in the British Isles as Christ's messengers carried the Faith during the early years following His Crucifixion and Resurrection. During the era of Roman dominance in the region Anglicanism continued as a secret, "underground" faith kept alive by Anglican Bishops and followers who, at great personal risk, refused to accept the imposition of the Roman Church. When King Henry VIII expelled the Roman Bishops, Anglicanism reemerged and began its continuing migration among Believers around the globe.

The Absolute Base of Anglicanism is a belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Redeemer of all those who believe in Him, in His Crucifixion and His Resurrection. Anglican worship services reflect our respect and reverence through very old traditions and symbolism, generally resisting attempts to secularize or "modernize" the format and language of worship. Anglican churches (or "parishes") typically adhere to a degree of formality known as "high church" or "low church." "High church" is extremely formal and ceremonial; "low church," while preserving the rituals as described by the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, tend to be more informal.

To learn more about Anglicanism from the perspective of other Anglicans, please click on the "Next" icon below: