Is Anglicanism Catholic or Protestant?

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Roman Catholic? Reformed? Protestant?

Most American evangelicals experience a church world that is either protestant and Reformed or Roman Catholic. You have to be one or the other. For many, ‘catholic’ means “Roman Catholic”; ‘Reformed’ means “Calvinist.” “Protestant” means “Non-Roman Catholic.” The Eastern Orthodox churches in these discussions are largely unconcerned. Anglicanism, however, had a unique, rich history that complicates these neat labeling systems. It does not neatly fit into predefined categories.

Anglicanism: Both Reformed & Catholic

Anglicans tend to define their church as both Catholic and Reformational, or both Catholic and Evangelical. When we say catholic, we don’t mean we are Roman Catholic. Also, when we say reformed, we don’t necessarily mean we are all Calvinists.

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For example, I have two portraits hanging on the wall in my study. One is a picture of Pope Gregory commissioning Augustine of Canterbury to go to England to establish communion between the Church in England and the Roman Catholic church. The other, next to it, is Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. He was the first reformational Archbishop of Canterbury and a father of the Reformation movement.

Each is juxtaposed, with no seeming contradiction. I have books on my shelf by John Stott and John Henry Newman. My crucifix sits next to an ESV Study Bible. I believe in Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist; I also believe in the priesthood of all believers.

Some Anglican History

Interjecting some Anglican history might clarify any confusion. The British Isles are those where the Anglican church was originally planted. Christianity came to these Isles at some time in the late first or early second century, possibly along with the Roman army. It could also be through some early eastern-Celtic missionaries. Later, Pope Gregory sent Augustine of Canterbury to evangelize the British Isles in 596 AD. The church in that part of the world came into communion with the catholic (i.e., worldwide) church at that time. Yet, it had previously existed in all ages.

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Hebrews 12:22-24

We say when we claim catholic that our church is a continuation of the church in those early days. In that time, the Christian Church was undivided and universal. Skip ahead a thousand years. Now it’s the Reformation. The Church in England went through a reformation period, initiated in full by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. He was influenced by both Geneva (Calvinists) and Germany (Lutherans). This, along with the next century of arguments, persecutions, wrangling, and disputes, shaped a reformed and yet still catholic Anglican church.

Where Anglicanism Split from Rome

Now, the English Reformation was a split with Rome in certain respects. Consider that the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion state that

As the Church of Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch, have erred, so also the Church of Rome hath erred, not only in their living and manner of Ceremonies, but also in matters of Faith. … The Romish Doctrine concerning Purgatory, Pardons, Worshipping and Adoration, as well of Images as of Relics, and also Invocation of Saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of scripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God.

39 Articles of Religion, Articles 19, 22

However, rather than leaving behind the catholic faith and becoming only protestant, the Anglican reformation ended up reforming the existing catholic church in England. This is why Bishops were retained, and priests, along with sacramental theology and liturgy.

It’s fair to say that Anglicans have, on the whole, a stronger sense of the authority of the Church invisible and of church traditions than some other Protestants do. Be this as it may, though the authority and traditions of the Church carry weight within the Anglican tradition, the Bible is the final arbiter in all matters. Traditions and authority form its supporting legs.

Of the Authority of the Church: The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies, and authority in Controversies of Faith: and yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary to God’s Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another. Wherefore, although the Church be a witness and a keeper of Holy Writ, yet, as it ought not to decree any thing against the same, so besides the same ought it not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of Salvation.

39 Articles, Article 20

Eventually, Anglicans sought communion with the Roman church and the Orthodox churches, alongside continuing fellowship with other Protestant churches. We have something in common with all of these traditions in a great via media, middle way. Nonetheless, the Anglican communion today does not have official fellowship with our Roman counterparts, unlike the sister church status it holds with the Orthodox Chuch.

The English ruled the seas, began to colonize the known world. They spread this reformed catholic faith all over the world, not always gently (to put it mildly). The American Revolution birthed what became an Anglican church in the United States. It was independent politically while remaining in full communion with the Church of England. Likewise, this new Episcopalian church found itself somewhat unique due to the lack of a monarchy in its new constitutional republic. This became a pattern all over the former empire during decolonization. A new chapter in our history began rather than forming a new church.

In some phases of its history, the Anglican church has emphasized its Protestant or Reformed reality and de-emphasized its catholic nature. Such times included the evangelical revivals of the 18th century. At other times, such as during the 19th century Oxford Movement, there has been a revival of the catholic spirituality or vision. But both of these influences have remained.

Maintaining the Anglican Tension

The Anglican church is a reformed catholic church. We don’t see a fundamental conflict between the words evangelical and catholic. Nor do we feel the need to choose between our catholic ancestors and our reformational ones. This can confuse some who think on these things as antitheses. For Anglicans, though they are often in tension, they are both necessary to retain and to live into. It is not a life of either/or tension, but both/and. We accept the best from each.

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June 11, 2015
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The Anglican Pastor

A classic resource from the founding team of Anglican Compass.

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I’m fascinated by this notion of “fridge” Anglicans and Anglo-Catholics.

Do the former keep bottles of ale in their fridges, and the latter red wine?

Are they indeed “God’s Chosen Frozen”?

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This is a fabulous piece, Greg! As a Calvin scholar and PhD student in Scotland, and a local practicing Anglican, I can attest firsthand and through my studies to the fact that it is a fair portrait of Anglicanism, on both historical and theological grounds, to call it both catholic and reformed, provided those terms are defined charitably, which you undoubtedly do! Well done!

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This is the first website I clicked on and after “Start Here” this is the first article and comments I read while beginning to explore RC vs various Protestant sects vs Anglo-Catholic (Anglican?) vs US Episcopal theology and beliefs.
WOW!
I’m still not sure what sets this “North American Anglican” church apart from the Anglican Communion or the
C of E or TEC with AC services, but y’all don’t seem to agree on much…I’ll try to keep reading.
BTW, I do not understand the “fridge” references, but as my intro to “Anglicanism” this was a darn chilly beginning;
perhaps John Wesley left less for his Arminian leaning than for a better clime in which his heart might be “strangely warmed.”

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I think this is a correct and fair of what Anglicanism looks like, as a cradle Anglican with a degree in Anglican studies, i attest the article looks like my own understanding

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Simply saying Anglicanism is reformed Catholicism partly accepting Protestantism

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To start, it appears that someone wanted to say “fringe” and either mistyped or was autocorrected to “fridge.” Reread the first use in the comments above and much will seem clearer. The original post by Greg was both fairer and more informative than most that approach this topic, since many still think the whole subject is covered by some sort of statement to the effect that “The Anglican Church was started by Henry VIII so he could divorce his wife…” This is a horrid oversimplification of a complex situation involving more political aspects than many realize; also, Henry had a real problem that other monarchs had had before him, and had found remedies within the framework of the Roman Catholic church. He did not found a new church, and he did not act alone. Many of the English bishops were sympathetic both with Henry’s problem and with a general feeling of a need for reform. Both parties found that a separation with no supranational hierarchy answered their needs.

I have been Episcopalian for 40 years now, though I was not raised as one. I find that the church’s seeming stance (though not stated) that there are still some things that can’t be answered with simple resort to hierarchy, along with the realization that we are not and never will be perfect, serve just fine as the basis of a lively faith for me!

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It concerns me that the invocation of saints (if I understand the usage in the 39 Articles correctly) is condemned. It seems perfectly consistent with Christian history to ask saints to intercede for me. I know St. Jude has been an aid to me many times.

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In my experience it is consistent and also accepted in many denominations, To me the invocation of the saints is a natural way of being a Christian in the Anglican/Episcopalian tradition. I will not tell other Anglicans what to feel and think on this matter, just as I appreciate that they do not recite their “fond thing vainly” to me. Being an Anglican means to embrace high and low church traditions, and there is room for both. Blessings!

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I grew up in the Episcopal Church. I was baptized at six months. My mother (from Australia) was Church of England. My father was Roman Catholic from birth. No problem? The Jesuit priest rudely asked my mother to sign and affirm children to be brought up RC. My mother was appalled. They were both so undone they got married at a Unitarian Church!! To add to the confusion, my father later studied for Holy Orders and was ordained priest. I have always believed the Anglican/Episcopal church was Catholic, as in universal!! Also a little bit Protestant ! (And a little bit Rock and Roll. ). Needless to say as a preachers kid, I grew up confused! Your article clarified a lot.

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Thank you for this (charity)
Every blessing

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I’m a Lutheran pastor who enjoys the site. This was an interesting article as I felt like you could replace Anglican with Lutheran in numerous place and it would still be true. It’s common for Lutherans to use the term Evangelical Catholic. Would be interested to see an article from Anglican side on the difference between Anglicanism and Lutheranism.

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Hi, Justin!

It is true that Anglicans and Lutherans have many similarities. When you start digging into the weeds, however, there are some key differences, such as an emphasis on bishops and our understanding of Holy Communion (which leans more toward a Reformed view). But the similarities are definitely strong, which explains why the ACNA has fairly tight relationships with the LCMS and the NALC.

An article on these similarities and differences could indeed be very helpful. In fact, it may be helpful for us to do a series of articles on differences and similarities between Anglicans and many of the other traditions (Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, etc.). Thanks for the idea!

Blessings to you!

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I grew up in the Catholic faith, attended Catholic school, and it was a faith tradition in our family for centuries. I left the church as a late teen when I had prayed the sinner’s prayer in a protestant church. I was astonished at the simplicity of our Lord’s selfless mission on this earth to set mankind free from the shackles of sin through His atonement on the cross that I learned about in the four gospels.

I had apprehension joining a protestant church as a young parent in my early 20s. The senior pastor was an elderly man, humble but had sixty-five years in the ministry and formally educated to the doctorate level. He answered my list of questions with ease. When it came to questions about how different services were conducted, he said, “What is important and fundamental is what is written in the scripture, the whole scripture, the rest of it is church tradition.”

My wife and I raised our children in the Southern Baptist tradition for years and we found several wonderful church families in two of the cities where we lived. We moved after the children left school and set out looking for a new church home. “Church shopping” is an educational process (eye opening) and can at times be discouraging. My observation is that some (many?) churches seem to have embraced the “seeker friendly” approach and it is more like attending a rock concert than attending church. In my experience, some churches seem to have lost their first love and it is about giving the audience an “experience” instead of a roll up your sleeves and search the scripture and discipleship.

I became interested in the Anglican Church when I was taking my daily walk when visiting our daughter and her family. There is a church in her neighborhood. I bought a copy of the Book of Common Prayer and became very interested after reading the prayers and the 39 Articles. We have visited a local Anglican Church for the past two months, have sat down with the priest and I have read through two books written by J.C. Ryle and am almost finished reading Anglican Catechism. I see fundamental difference in doctrine between Roman Catholics and Anglicans. The traditions are similar.

I observe the following: The Anglican Church tradition is very much patterned off of the Roman Catholic services. The Anglicans, however, only recognize the 66 books of the Bible as cannon. The non-canonical books are for study and interest but not for doctrine. Article XX states that the church doctrine regarding salvations cannot come from any other source other than the Holy Bible. Article XXII states, “The Romish Doctrine concerning Purgatory, Pardons, Worshipping, and Adoration, as well as images of Reliques, and also invocation of Saints, is a fond thing vainly invented and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God.”

My wife and I find the liturgical service refreshing. The congregational participation is edifying and the four readings of the scripture during service inspiring.

In our short time attending an Anglican Church, we have yet to find anything in fundamental doctrine that is misaligned with the Bible, the same books recognized by Protestant churches. The traditions are certainly different. However, traditions are not fundamental to one’s salvation.

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That is wonderful, E.M. Thank you for sharing!

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Wonderful blog post. I whole heartedly agree! I left the Roman Catholic church over ten years ago, and in the Anglican tradition I have found the kind of church that embraces the best of Protestant and Catholic theology and culture. I do not see myself as a Protestant, and it would have been a very odd choice had I joined a solely Protestant community. I disagree on the Roman Catholic stance on the papal church, and I disagree with the Protestant’s inclination towards purging everything traditional, just because it “smells of Catholicism”. As Anglicans we can embrace Luther as well as Hooker, Cranmer and Saint Augustine… I have found the best place for my Christian identity in the Anglican Church, in the dynamics between low and high church… I’m proud to be protestant with a little p, catholic with a little c and Anglican with a capital A.

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I think it is slanted towards high church (either the old Central Churchmanship or Anglo-Catholic) wing within Anglicanism. I was mentored into that version of Anglicanism 25 years ago at a high-leaning church, but the one my present church belongs to is similar to what Joshua, John, and Simon above had described – the Reformed and evangelical gospel-centered faith. There is no way you can get past Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley and most martyrs without knowing they were thoroughly Reformed. And in our time represented by people like J.I. Packer, J. Broughton Knox, John Stott, Peter and Phillip Jensen, Moore, Ridley, Oak Hill College, etc.

It would be shocking to dismiss my circle as something like “Anglo-Calvinist fringe”, as we do stand on the shoulders of the giants within Anglicanism, and in some countries (such as Australia) my church’s strand has the majority of Anglican believers.

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