Anglicanism was invented by Henry VIII, when he declared himself the head of the church in England.
This was a political, not a doctrinal act. Henry remained a good catholic at heart- he just didn't want the Pope bossing him about.
The Anglican church doesn't have any distinctive teachings. It boasts of being both catholic AND protestant. Some Anglican go to confession, others are born-again Biblical fundamentalists. This is a wobbly compromise that holds just so long as no-one starts stomping around and asking awkward questions.
Currently the Church is divided over the issue of gay priests and may very well be about to tear itself apart.
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Date: 2004-12-07 03:48 pm (UTC)This was a political, not a doctrinal act. Henry remained a good catholic at heart- he just didn't want the Pope bossing him about.
The Anglican church doesn't have any distinctive teachings. It boasts of being both catholic AND protestant. Some Anglican go to confession, others are born-again Biblical fundamentalists. This is a wobbly compromise that holds just so long as no-one starts stomping around and asking awkward questions.
Currently the Church is divided over the issue of gay priests and may very well be about to tear itself apart.