Anglicanism

I’m Christian and pretty conservative in my views, but technically non-denominational as I’m currently searching for a denomination.

Anglicanism stood out to me, as it aligns with the majority of beliefs I have, but the more I look into it the more I see it’s far more “modern” than I had assumed, for lack of a better word. Most Anglican and Episcopal churches I’ve seen have women priests, are lgbt affirming, etc. It’s simply not what I’m looking for in a church, but other than the “modern” aspects, I seem to align with Anglicanism.

Is there any conservative or traditional Anglican churches? Would that simply be Anglo-Catholicism? Is there a denomination like Anglicanism but is strictly conservative in doctrine that I should look into instead?

I would post this in Christianity, but I figured conversations would be a bit more tame here. Thanks in advance!

I’m currently a presbyterian, but I’ve after some reading, prayer and speaking to others (pastors and priests), I’ve decided to transition into Anglicanism and would like to be confirmed into my local ACNA church!

There’s a few things I would like some help on 1) most of my studying (and what led me into the tradition) has been of Reformed Conformist theology in the late 16-early 17th century (mainly Richard Hooker). but I’m interested in learning about how the tradition changed into what it is today (the schisms, liberalism, rise of anglo-catholicism, prayer book history, etc.). is there any good resources I could look into to learn more about this? 2) Is there any useful information/tips in general that would be useful to know?

Thanks, and God bless!

What are your conversion/discovery stories? As a recent convert myself, I'm interested in hearing other voices :)

I cannot find a Conservative Calvinistic Anglican Church for the life of me! Any tips?

How common is icon veneration in Anglican churches? I know that the 39 Articles, the Book of Common Prayer, and various other important Anglican documents are against it, but Anglo-Catholics will often do it.

Is there an alternative to wine for communion?

I am relatively new to the Anglican continuum and am not sure what their position is on the sacraments of other Anglican churches. Would it be acceptable, from the Anglo-Catholic perspective, to attend an ACNA church, even though one is clearly Protestant and the other not so much? Would a regular Catholic Church be better? I ask from the perspective of the Continuing Anglican churches, not those just with more superficial Anglo-Catholic elements, such I know some ACNA congregations are more Catholic than others.

I have argued in another post that Anglicanism within CK timeframe actually isn't too far fetched:

There is even a phrase in the Magna Carta (1215) stating "Anglicana ecclesia libera sit" meaning "The English church shall be free" so an anglican church within CK timeframe is actually not that far-fetched.

Anglicanism, while using some protestantic "excuse" to break with the pope, was to transfer church' power to the king. I would argue that in the CK timeframe the later is much more likely to have happened than real protestantism, ...

I've had runs long ago where I made the Church of England, but I'm getting more into RP instead of "power-play" and if I where to make an early Anglicanism, but as historically close to the real one, what would tenets and doctrines be?

From googling Anglicanism and what I know historically my guess would be:

Tenets:
Pursuit of Power
Alexandrian Catechism
Pastoral Isolation (mainly for viewing other christians as righteous)

And changing following doctrinces from catholicism (the rest as they are):
Head of Faith: None
Divorce: Must be approved (by house head when no head of faith)
Clerical marriage: Allowed
Clerical appointmen: Temporal, revocable.

My only "problem" with this is that Pursuit of Power and Alexandrian Catechism are both very powerfull tenets, and I would rather have less powerfull since I'm not that good at holding back to RP more 🤣
Are there other tenets that would fit with the historical Anglicanism, either better or just as good but not as powerfull?
(I'm also this time gonna split from catholicism instead of converting to Insularism first to grab the holy sites this time...)

The ancient East is tempting but then I can’t help but feel that God didn’t abandon the British Isles and my people. I need prayer, help, and discernment. I also have trouble with discernment with Roman Catholic but I see much Anglicanism being more holy services than N.O.

I live in America, where I could and have gone to all three. Honestly the EO liturgy is the most reverent and the hardest fasting and prayer life in comparison to Anglicanism. I fear that if I choose being an Anglican, I will be skipping confession to a priest (which I am confused about.) did the early church confess to a priest all their sins? Or was it okay to receive with a sorrowful heart, and after the group confession. I don’t want to cut corners, but I also have a real difficult time believing that the Eastern Orthodox is The only True Church and the Lord did not confect on British and so called Anglican altars.

I have an ACNA parish nearby, an old Anglican parish, two TEC , one Roman Catholic, and an OCA and Greek Parish nearby.

Welcome to the next installment of the Denominational AMA Series!

Today's Topic
Anglicanism

Panelists

from

What is Anglicanism?

Anglicanism is those churches that are tied to the Church of England(CoE) by history, worship, and belief. The Anglican Communion is those churches which are in communion with the Church of England. There are some churches that are Anglican, but not in communion with the CoE, this includes groups like the ACNA and the Continuing Anglican Movement (who do not want to be in the Communion).

How is the Anglican Communion structured?

The Anglican Communion(AC) confirms the historic episcopate, meaning we are lead by bishops, priests, and deacons. Bishops are considered equals and no other bishops have authority over anothers diocese. The Archbishop of Canterbury is seen as a first among equals, and to be the spiritual leader of the AC. However, his only authority over other Churches in the AC is deciding if they are in communion with the CoE (and thus in the AC). The Churches also meet in Lambeth Conferences but the decisions are not legally binding (though they are influential).

What do Anglicans believe?

Anglicanism is often referred to as "catholic and reformed: or as the "via media" (middle way). In other words, it sits between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It's defining beliefs can be found in the Book of Common Prayer. Anglicanism generally preaches "lex orandi, lex credendi" (what we pray is what we believe). This means Anglicans will point to our rubrics to define what it is we believe. Our beliefs include the Creeds (Nicene, Apostles, and Athanasian), the sacraments, and Scripture within the context of tradition and with the aid of reason. The act as a sort of guide for Anglican belief but are not a Confessional statement of belief.

What is The Episcopal Church?

The Episcopal Church(TEC) is the US Church in the Anglican Communion (only one church per nation is recognized by the AC). It was organized after the American Revolution and has close historic ties with the Scottish Episcopal Church as a result.

What are the different movements in Anglicanism?

Anglicanism is often referred to as a "big tent" and so you will see very diverse views expressed by Anglicans. Here is a list of some of the common ones you will hear:

• Anglo-Catholic: Those who affirm the Catholic heritage of Anglicanism. It became more common as a result of the Oxford Movement in the 19th century. They generally emphasize the historic episcopate and catholic piety.

• Evangelical: Those who affirm the protestant nature of Anglicanism. They generally emphasize Scripture and the 39 Articles.

• Liberal: Refers to those who hold to a liberal theology

• Classical: Refers to those whose theology is best described as based on the Caroline Divines

High, Broad, and Low Church used to have a very specific meaning historically (namely about the nature of the Church of England) but now refer to the level of ritual in the liturgy:

• High Church: This usually involves a lot of ritual in the liturgy, candles, bells, incense, and vestments.

• Broad Church: Will usually incorporate some elements of high church worship but not all.

• Low Church: Still uses the liturgy as found in the Book of Common Prayer but will minimize the use of extra rituals and props. Vestments are usually simple. Music may be hymnals or contemporary.

's Bio

I grew up non-denom, became Roman Catholic, and then found my place in The Episcopal Church. I am a 25 year old philosophy senior and am currently trying to figure out what God is calling me to do next in my life (perhaps the priesthood). I'm also engaged to be married this October. I consider myself to be a High Church Classical Anglo-Catholic.

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Hello, everyone. I am a conservative Episcopalian (yes, they do exist!) in his early twenties. I am an aspiring Classical Anglican who admires the 39 Articles of Faith, the Prayer Book (Especially Rite I and the 1928 edition) and the rich Church History. I feel there is a very real and unique Anglican identity regardless of what anyone says. I attend a Parish that is somewhere in between Low Church and High-Church, however, I have recently grown very fond of High-Church, Anglo-Catholicism. One Parish that, in my opinion, ought to be a model for all Episcopal Churches is Saint John's in Detroit. Here is two quick looks at their style: &

I am not a cradle-Episcopalian - I ventured back into the church after a long hiatus. As a child I was dragged to various Methodist and Baptist church services but became disinterested in throughout High School. It wasn't until my first years of college that a friend and I decided that we ought to go back to church. As a History major, I fell in love with the traditions and the liturgy was something that I really enjoyed.

My immediate family is relatively disengaged to this day with anything church related. Another quick note - my father's side of my family is comprised mostly of very hardcore- Jehovah's Witnesses. So, far I have not gotten into any theological debates with them however, I would welcome them.

Some final notes for full disclosure:

• I welcome the idea that the ACNA should be recognized by Canterbury in official capacity and thus become apart of the whole Communion.

• I am hopeful that the next Presiding Bishop will do more to bring the American church together, rather than split it further apart.

• I admire the GAFCON movement, and am thankful for Archbishop Welby's approval of the group.

I am well aware of the current issues facing the church but I am confident that ABC Welby is doing his best to bring the Communion back together. With some compassion and mutual respect on our part, and maybe a little bit of luck... I am sure things can be worked out.

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I was raised in a fairly charismatic non-denominational church where my dad was the worship leader. Besides emphasis on desiring spiritual gifts and The Holy Spirit, there wasn't very much specific doctrine I was raised with. When I was younger and I would ask my parents a question about theology, they would often present several sides of an issue and encouraged me to think and read for myself.

When I was probably around fourteen, I took a course called "Worldviews of The Western World." It was classical education all centered around "How to defend your faith." The curriculum and teacher were very heavily leaning towards Calvinism, being dismissive of any sort of free will theism. I was reluctantly a Calvinist until this last year. I read every John Piper and Matt Chandler book there was. I even read all of Calvin's institutes.

Eventually, via several conversations mostly regarding the problem of evil and others, I had a bit of a faith crisis a little over a year ago which forced me to rethink everything. I went to my first Episcopalian service a week after Easter Sunday 2013 and its served as such a lovely home while I work out my faith. I'm waiting to be confirmed since I will probably be soon transferring universities and want to be confirmed in a church that I'll be close to consistently.

A quick theological rundown. I'm very much into process theology/philosophy. The New Perspective on Paul is great and it compliments my Universalist Soteriology. I also find myself fascinated with the Christian Mystics like Eckhart, Pseudo-Dionysius, Origen. Philosophically I'm very much into Derrida's thoughts on deconstruction and Tillich's thoughts about Ontology and Being. I'm currently reading The Weakness of God by John Caputo and really think there's some good thoughts there.

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I've lived in Alabama all my life and was raised Southern Baptist. After WWII my grandfather became a Southern Baptist Preacher, and retired from the pulpit several years ago. Around the age of 12 I began to question my faith, and what I saw within the Southern Baptist churches I'd attended (no offense to our Baptist and Southern Baptist friends), and from then until a few years ago I remained an Atheist.

My wife's grandfather was a Methodist preacher, and she always was concerned about my lack of religion. She had been trying to find a church and wasn't finding anywhere she fit in. I started to become a tad worried after she attended a church that was calling Freemasons and the Roman Catholic Church Satanic. My daughter attended Girl Scouts at an Episcopal Church near me. After looking up what the Episcopal Church was all about I decided, "Yeah, I can probably tolerate these guys, and at least my wife isn't going to end up handling snakes during service."

At our first service, I was pretty blindsided by the pew aerobics and all of the prayers and such, having never been to anything but a Baptist church service. After the service was over, my wife and I laughed about how off cue we were with everything, and my wife said "I really loved the service, the organ and choir were beautiful, and I want to come back." We came back a few times, the church grew on me, and after about 15 years of being an Atheist I was moved to begin believing again. Late last spring I was confirmed into the Episcopal Church by Bishop Santosh Marray.

Join us tomorrow when , , , and take your questions on Methodism!

TIME EDIT: is currently at college and will return at around 6pm EST.

I’m in trouble. Big trouble.

I’ve been a reformed Christian attending a Baptist church with my wife and children for 12 years. My wife is lifelong baptist with Calvinist leanings.

I started studying church history and Anglican theology. I’m convinced it’s true and right. My wife wants to remain baptist. I want to start attending an Anglo-Catholic church and i yearn desperately to participate in mass. My church now just believes communion is a memorial.

I believe family unity is critical, especially for kids. I don’t know what to do.

Hello I am a lutheran considering attending/ converting to an ACNA c4so church plant that recently started

The church website says they are "liturgical, charismatic and evangelical" What exactly does this look like? I come from a lutheran low church style so would it look like that?

How do Anglicans view scripture?

Do anglican churches value both intellectual and spiritual aspects of faith?

What is the view on salvation?

It says for this church that the pastor was formely an assemblies of God pastor, I know pastors of that denomination get only 2 years of training so are they required to get more when joining the ACNA?

Where would you the best place to learn as someone with no knowledge of anglicanism?

I really like the clergy and congregation at my Church in Wales church but i'm leaning onto Roman Catholicism. How could i make this easier?

Has anyone thought of becoming Anglican. Why haven’t you converted. Some benefits I’ve seen is bishops, a very Protestant ecclesiology(meaning that they recognize just because they are separated on secondary issues doesn’t mean they can’t be in communion. Also kinda a negative as well) book of common prayer

I’m currently a Christian looking for the right church, Anglicanism has its appeals but I’m also looking into Catholicism. Part of the reason Anglicanism speaks to me is because of its tradition and not completely abandoning the traditions of the church, yet Catholicism also has a lot that appeals to me. So I guess my question is pertaining more to the reformation, why was it necessary, why take the Protestant path over what appears to be the more ancient Catholic path despite having some obvious issues?

Long story short, I grew up Roman Catholic although I questioned religions from early age, later went on to study Buddhism which has been my spiritual path ever since. I've been trying to reconnect with Christianity/Catholicism in recent years, I discovered contemplative practices like centering prayer. But I'm having difficulty accepting some of Catholic teachings and also I see many things in Protestantism that appeal to me (priesthood of all believers, emphasis on personal relationship with Jesus, for example).

So it recently occurred to me maybe Anglicanism is a good fit for me? Incidentally, I spent nearly half my life now in Britain as my adopted home. I went for a while to a local Anglo-Catholic church but stopped going. I don't know much about Anglican theology really, other than that it's a "middle path" between Catholicism and Protestantism. The trouble is, I tend to think about Anglicanism as Catholicism-lite, or that I'm not "good enough" to be Catholic, and still have this voice at the back of my head that says Roman Catholic is the "true" church (even though the other voice is a Buddhist!).

Also, a couple of other things bother me, mainly that I see Anglicanism as being too liberal or increasingly "woke", while my views align more with Catholicism on things like sexuality etc (but not all, for example I don't fully agree on things like contraception or IVF). Also I don't really understand the relationship between Anglicanism and the British monarchy (guess I need to study some of its history). On the other hand, it feels more "spiritual" than Catholicism, at least in that it seems to leave more room for personal interpretation and questioning.

So I was curious about your thoughts? Should I be Anglican?

How are women finding their experience within Anglicanism?

Are unmarried women welcomed, or are they somewhat silenced and viewed with suspicion?

Sadly, this has been my experience in a Presbyterian church I first wandered into as my first church after being awoken to faith in Christ 3 years ago. I felt more and more oppressed & suffocated by what I can now see was a misogynist element.

I am a struggling Catholic who is interested in learning about the Anglican Communion in a more serious way. Particularly as someone coming from a high church background (the arguments I have heard so far tend to emphasis hierarchy and liturgy, which I already have an appreciation for), what would you say the Anglican Communion has to offer me? Or, to put it in less transactional terms, what do you think I should know about it? I would be so interested in hearing your thoughts.

Thank you!

Hi there!

I’m a Christian from the United States, I suppose I would classify myself as having grown up non-denominational but I currently attend a Baptist church.

Recently I’ve become very emboldened to look into different denominations and gain some perspective about their history/traditions as I’ve just begun to feel like I’d enjoy a bit more of a traditional style of worship/community with my specific parish than what I receive from the churches I’ve attended in the past. No ill will of course, I have an amazing pastor and friends at my current congregation, but I’m just interested in what I currently have with maybe a bit more high-church aesthetics and traditions?

This led me first into investigating Orthodoxy, which has consumed me fully for the past few months. It feels as though there’s a massive movement online and tons of young men my age seem to be swept up in the orthodoxy mania that is taking place. Of course I have no issue with this, as I’ve come to find out that I have a lot of agreements with Orthodoxy, and even Roman Catholicism. My hang-ups though, are things that I’ve come to realize will never be rectified based on the teachings of Rome and the East, mainly Marian dogma, icon veneration (bordering on worship imo) and the idea that salvation lie ONLY within a specific denomination.

This then led me back to Protestantism, looking at the writings of Luther, C.S Lewis and a few others. Leading me to investigate Lutheranism, and by happen-stance Anglicanism, after it was mentioned in a YouTube video discussion between two Protestants.

On the surface Anglicanism checks all the boxes for me. I love the high-ish church aesthetics, I enjoy the idea of following the Church calendar, and the Protestant ideology that I’ve consumed so far is all in line with my personal beliefs. While also seeming to have a higher view of things like The Lords Supper, Baptism, just sacraments as a whole.

My question is regarding Mariology and icon veneration. I’ve been able to find posts regarding this, however I’m confused at the split in opinions I read. Some say they “venerate” icons, others say they have them but that they are simply images (I.e not blessed, and are not literal windows into the afterlife in which we can communicate with saints) and some say they avoid them entirely. Is there a hard line stance from the Anglican Church regarding this?

Mariology is another hang up for me. Obviously I revere Mary as having given birth to Christ, but I am not comfortable praying to her for intercession, and I do not believe my interaction with her or her spirit are in any way crucial in my salvation. Is this an opinion that would see me run out of an Anglican parish? This same idea goes for any of the saints, both those confirmed or not confirmed by any and all church councils or what-have you.

Sorry for the Novel, I’m just really excited about my faith and eager to share and learn more.

God bless.