Church of England

The Church of England is the national Christian church of England. It is part of the wider Anglican tradition. The church developed in the 16th century, during a time of religious change in Europe. It has features that are both Catholic and Protestant. The monarch of England is its Supreme Governor.

The Church of England began during the reign of Henry VIII. At that time, England was part of the Roman Catholic Church. Henry VIII wanted to end his marriage, but the Pope did not agree. In response, Henry VIII separated the English church from the authority of the Pope. In 1534, the Act of Supremacy made the king the head of the Church of England.

At first, many beliefs and practices stayed similar to Catholic ones. Over time, Protestant ideas became stronger. During the reign of Edward VI, church services were changed and English was used instead of Latin. Later, Mary I tried to return England to Catholic rule. After her reign, Elizabeth I established a settlement that shaped the Church of England for the future.

The Church of England has an organized structure. It is led by bishops. A bishop is a senior church leader who oversees a region called a diocese. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior bishop. Churches are found in cities, towns, and villages across England. Services often include prayers, readings from the Bible, and hymns.

Beliefs in the Church of England are based on the Bible, tradition, and reason. Tradition means long-held practices passed down over time. Reason refers to careful thinking and discussion. This combination helps guide church teaching. The church uses the Book of Common Prayer, which provides set words for services.

Today, the Church of England continues to play a role in public life. It conducts ceremonies such as coronations and royal weddings. Many schools and historic buildings are connected to the church. While membership has changed over time, the Church of England remains an established part of England’s religious and cultural history.