The Differences Between the Anglican and Catholic Religions

The Anglican religion does not recognise the authority of the Pope, rejects the dogmas related to the Virgin Mary, and dismisses devotion to Saints. Yet, in many ways, Anglicans are quite close to Catholics. Let’s see how.

We have already explored the main differences between Catholics and Protestants in a previous article. While both expressions of Christian faith stem from the Nicene Creed, so named because it originated from the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, they present several fundamental differences, ranging from the interpretation of the Scriptures to the authority of the Pope and clergy, as well as the Sacraments. A separate discussion is necessary when it comes to the Anglican Church—the religion of the English—founded in England in the 16th century when King Henry VIII, discontented with papal authority, decided to separate the Church of England from the Church of Rome. Thus, Anglicanism was born, incorporating many elements from Lutheran and Calvinist Protestantism, but also retaining aspects of Catholicism. In fact, even though Henry VIII initiated the schism, he had been a strong supporter of the Catholic religion against Protestantism and considered Martin Luther a heretic.

Founded on the sanctity of the Holy Scriptures, the traditions of the Apostolic Church, and the apostolic succession (the Christian theological doctrine that Bishops are the successors of the Apostles), the Church of England recognises the English Sovereign as its only head. Until recently, this was Queen Elizabeth II, one of the longest-reigning monarchs of the United Kingdom, with 70 years on the throne.

Let’s now explore the main differences between Catholicism and Anglicanism regarding the Sacraments, and how the Anglican Church has coexisted with other faiths over time.

Anglican Church: Sacraments

Unlike the Catholic Church, which recognises seven Sacraments, the Anglican Church only recognises Baptism and the Eucharist as sacraments but also celebrates the others, considering them sacramental.

The Eucharist is offered to all, including divorced and cohabiting individuals, and is only denied to those guilty of violent crimes.

Marriage is also viewed differently by Anglicans: the Anglican rite does not require both spouses to be baptised or confirmed. Additionally, since 2014, the Archbishop of Canterbury has announced a possible openness of the Anglican Church towards same-sex marriages. Divorce is accepted and not condemned.

Holy Orders, that is, the sacrament of ordination, are not reserved for men but are open to both men and women at all three levels: deacon, priest, and bishop. Celibacy is not required; priests are allowed to marry and have children.

Like Lutheran, Calvinist, Anglican, and Anabaptist Protestants, Anglicans consider Baptism a sign of God’s grace and the regeneration of the individual through faith, without implications of original sin or the devil’s temptations.

Who Is the Head of the Anglican Church?

Although, as mentioned earlier, the head of the Church of England and supreme governor is the Sovereign—Queen Elizabeth II until recently and now King Charles III—the highest spiritual authority for Anglicans is the Archbishop of Canterbury, who before the schism was the Catholic Primate of England.

The current Archbishop of Canterbury is Justin Welby, who is, first and foremost, Bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canterbury, which covers two-thirds of England, Primate of All England, and symbolic leader of the Anglican Communion.

The Archbishop resides at Lambeth Palace or the Old Palace next to Canterbury Cathedral.

The Meeting Between Queen Elizabeth and Pope Francis

Although Anglicans do not accept the authority of the Pope, do not share certain Catholic dogmas, especially those concerning Mary, the Mother of God (the dogmas of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption), and do not recognise devotion to Saints—considering doctrines of images, relics, and invocations to be baseless beliefs—Anglicans have always demonstrated greater openness towards Catholics compared to other Protestant denominations.

It is no coincidence that, during her long reign, Queen Elizabeth II, whenever visiting Rome, never failed to meet the Pope, from her meeting with John XXIII in 1961 to John Paul II in 1980 and 2000. Pope John Paul II was also received at Buckingham Palace, and in 2010, the Queen met Benedict XVI at Holyrood Palace, the royal residence in Edinburgh.

The last meeting was in 2014 with Pope Francis, who welcomed both her and Prince Philip at the Vatican. Queen Elizabeth II gave the Pope a basket filled with British culinary specialties, advising him not to share them with anyone.

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Pope Francis

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