What is Anglicanism?

Anglicanism is a Protestant Christian tradition that emerged from the practices, liturgy, and identity of the Church of England following the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. It is the third largest Protestant denomination in the world, with 85 million members in 160 countries.

Three Streams

Anglicanism uniquely brings together three historic streams of the Christian faith into a holistic expression of the Gospel.

The Protestant stream, with its focus on the Word of God, the Holiness stream, with its commitment to the poor and marginalized, and the Anglo-Catholic stream, with its grounding in the Sacraments.

Foundation Stones

Anglicans hold to a holistic balance of faith known as the Foundation Stones:

Scriptural

Anglicans uphold the Bible as God’s word revealed, the narrative of salvation history. We understand our lives and ministry within the narrative of God’s saving grace and deliverance.

Historic

Anglicans are rooted in the sacred tradition of the 1st century church expressed in what we believe and how we practice our faith through word, liturgy and the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, as well as other sacramental rites. We also recognize the historic episcopate, with our Holy Orders following the pattern of apostolic succession in the undivided Church.

Spirit-led

Anglicans recognize that as believers in Christ, we receive the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit who guides and equips us, transforming us day by day so that we better reflect Christ in our lives through word and deed.

Incarnational

In response to Christ’s Great Commandment and Great Commission, Anglicans live as Kingdom people who both proclaim and live out what Jesus taught and modeled. We engage culture, focus on the needs of others before our own, and act as God’s cooperative partners to pursue deliverance, justice and mercy for all people.

Integrated

Anglicans are united and connected not only “with the great cloud of witnesses” throughout Church history, but also with Christ followers around the world. Anglicanism is part of a global Christian faith, or, as expressed in the Nicene Creed: “the one holy catholic and apostolic church.”