Anglican / Episcopalian

Anglicanism originates in the 16th century when the Church of England separated from Rome under Henry VIII and was later shaped by both Protestant and Catholic-leaning movements. It combines a liturgical and sacramental life somewhat similar to Catholicism with a distinct structure (archbishops and bishops but no pope). Many Anglicans hold a middle way (“via media”) between Catholicism and Protestantism.

Anglicans affirm the historic creeds and the authority of Scripture but allow more doctrinal diversity. Clergy can marry, and in many provinces women are ordained as priests and bishops. Views on the Eucharist, confession, and some moral questions can be more varied than in Roman Catholicism, even as many Anglican worship services resemble Catholic liturgy in style and structure.