Anglican Archives - Christianity FAQ

Anglicanism and the Reformed tradition are two influential branches of Christianity with distinct histories, beliefs, and practices. Originating in England and the Swiss-German regions, respectively, each has made a lasting impact on the global Christian landscape. This article aims to compare Anglicanism and the Reformed tradition, highlighting key differences and similarities. From their origins to their views on sacraments and social issues, we'll explore what sets each apart. Is the Anglican or Reformed tradition larger? See below Comparing Anglicanism and the Reformed Tradition: An Overview The term "Anglicanism" comes from the Latin word "Anglicana," meaning "English," and the suffix "-ism" to denote the religious tradition originating in England. "Reformed" refers to the Christian tradition that emerged from the Reformation, aiming to "reform" or improve upon existing religious practices and beliefs. AnglicanismReformedNameAnglicanismReformed TraditionSizeApprox. 85 million worldwideApprox. 60-80 million worldwideDate Started1534Early 16th century (around 1520s)FounderKing Henry VIIIJohn Calvin, Ulrich ZwingliKey BeliefsVia Media (Middle Way), Apostolic Succession, importance of liturgySovereignty of God, predestination, Covenant TheologyKey PracticesWorship services, baptism, holy communion, confirmationWorship services, baptism, holy communionDivisionsChurch of England, Episcopal Church (USA), Anglican Church of CanadaPresbyterian, Congregational, Reformed Church in AmericaCentral LocationCanterbury, EnglandNo central location; strong presence in Switzerland, Scotland, and the NetherlandsSacred TextsBible (Old and New Testaments), Book of Common PrayerBible (Old and New Testaments) Why is Anglicanism called the Middle Way? Anglicanism is often called "The Middle Way" because it seeks to strike a balance between Protestantism and Catholicism. It incorporates elements of both traditions, such as the Protestant emphasis on the Bible and the Catholic focus on liturgy and sacraments, aiming for a moderate, comprehensive approach. What is Covenant Theology? Covenant Theology is a framework in Reformed theology that views God's relationship with humanity through the lens of covenants, or agreements. It typically identifies three main covenants: the Covenant of Works with Adam, the Covenant of Grace with Christ, and the Covenant of Redemption within the Trinity. Do both traditions believe in Jesus' resurrection? See below Anglican and Reformed Christianity Beliefs: Differences Anglicans and Reformed Christians believe in the Trinity. See the table below to learn more about their similarities and differences. Anglican BeliefsReformed BeliefsBibleAuthoritative; interpreted through traditionInfallible and inerrant; ultimate authorityGodOne God in three persons; omnipotent, omniscientOne God in three persons; sovereign, omnipotent, omniscientJesus ChristFully God and fully man; Savior of humanityFully God and fully man; predestined SaviorTrinityFather, Son, and Holy Spirit; co-equalFather, Son, and Holy Spirit; co-equalHoly SpiritActive in the church; sanctifies believersActive in predestination; sanctifies believersThe AtonementChrist's sacrifice redeems humanity; varies by theological stanceChrist's sacrifice predestined for the electThe ResurrectionLiteral and bodily resurrection of JesusLiteral and bodily resurrection of JesusThe ChurchApostolic succession; universal and localCovenant community; universal and localChurch TraditionImportant but secondary to the BibleLess emphasis; Bible takes precedenceThe Second ComingAwaited; details vary by theological stanceAwaited; often tied to predestination and election What does each tradition believe about the sacraments? See below Anglican and Reformed Practices Compared AnglicanReformedWorship ServicesHighly liturgical, follows Book of Common PrayerLess liturgical, focused on preachingSacramentsBaptism, Holy Communion, and ConfirmationBaptism and Holy CommunionPrayerBook of Common Prayer often usedExtemporaneous; no set prayer bookClergyPriests, bishops; some branches ordain womenMinisters, pastors; some branches ordain womenChurch GovernanceEpiscopal (bishops have authority)Presbyterian or CongregationalBible StudyEncouraged; often part of church activitiesStrong emphasis; central to faith practiceFastingOptional; some observe Lent and AdventLess emphasis; varies by denominationMusicTraditional hymns; choral music commonHymns and Psalms; some branches avoid instrumentsSocial OutreachVarious charitable and social justice programsVarious charitable and social justice programs In Anglicanism, the High Church refers to Christian traditions that emphasize formal liturgy, rituals, and the authority of clergy. Low Church, on the other hand, focuses on a simpler, less formal worship style and often gives greater emphasis to the Bible over tradition. Communion in Anglicanism and the Reformed Tradition AnglicanReformedNature of ElementsReal Presence or Symbolic: Views vary, but Christ is generally believed to be truly presentSpiritual Presence: Christ is spiritually, not physically, presentWho Can ParticipateBaptized believers; some churches also require confirmationBaptized believers; some churches also require a profession of faithFrequencyVaries; often weekly in many churchesVaries; often monthly or quarterlyForm of BreadUsually unleavened; varies by churchUsually unleavened; varies by churchUse of Wine or Grape JuiceWine is common; some churches offer grape juiceWine or grape juice; varies by churchAdministrationBy ordained clergyBy ordained clergyLiturgical SettingPart of the Eucharistic service; follows Book of Common PrayerPart of regular worship service; less liturgicalRole in SalvationMeans of grace; varies by theological stanceMeans of grace; strengthens faith The Real Presence view holds that Christ is truly present in the elements of bread and wine during Communion, though not physically. The symbolic view sees the bread and wine as mere symbols that represent Christ's body and blood, without believing that He is actually present in them. Baptism in Anglicanism and the Reformed Tradition AnglicanReformedMode of BaptismSprinkling, pouring, or immersionSprinkling, pouring, or immersionAge of CandidatesInfants and adultsInfants and adultsWho Can BaptizeOrdained clergyOrdained clergyFormulaTrinitarian: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"Trinitarian: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"Necessity for SalvationGenerally considered a means of grace; varies by theological stanceConsidered a means of grace; covenantal sign and sealRole of FaithFaith and Baptism together are importantFaith receives the benefits of BaptismConfirmationSeparate sacrament, usually performed later in lifeNot a separate sacrament; profession of faith often requiredSponsors/GodparentsCommonly usedLess common; varies by denominationLiturgical SettingPart of regular worship service or special servicePart of regular worship serviceRecognition by Other DenominationsGenerally recognized by other Christian denominationsGenerally recognized by other Christian denominations 10 Key Events in Anglican and Reformed History RankAnglican History EventsReformed History Events11534: Act of Supremacy establishes Church of England1523: Zwingli's 67 Articles in Zurich21549: First Book of Common Prayer published1536: Calvin's "Institutes of the Christian Religion" published31559: Elizabethan Religious Settlement1541: Calvin returns to Geneva41604: King James Version of the Bible published1561: Belgic Confession adopted51662: Revised Book of Common Prayer published1618-1619: Synod of Dort61789: Episcopal Church in the U.S. established1643-1647: Westminster Assembly71867: First Lambeth Conference1706: First American presbytery in Philadelphia81888: Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral adopted1816: American Bible Society founded91960s: Anglican Communion expands ordination of women1924: "Five Points of Calvinism" formulated102003: Gene Robinson, openly gay bishop, consecrated1948: World Council of Churches founded