First things first: Henry the VIII did not really found Anglicanism! The Anglican Church was founded in England in the 16th century amidst the great Protestant Reformation. During the Reformation, godly theologians recognized the need to return to the centrality of Scriptures as the ultimate authority for the teaching, life, and structures of the Church (above leaders and tradition). Thomas Cranmer, an Archbishop of Canterbury under Henry VIII, was instrumental in birthing the theology, liturgy, prayer book and overall gospel focus of the Anglican Church. For us, Anglicanism represents the best of Christianity—a connection to believers past and present, a commitment to the authority of the Bible, and the call to proclaim the gospel and serve others within a variety of worship styles and ministries.

The founding theology of the Anglican Church can be found in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion. The theology of the 39 Articles is in line with the Protestant Reformation and the ancient Creeds of the Church. The Rev. Matt Kennedy has also summarized the way our church is organized in  The Leadership Structure of the Anglican Church.

All who profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are welcomed to receive the Sacrament with us, regardless of denominational affiliation or church background. However, we do not practice “open communion” – i.e. anyone who wants to come can partake of communion regardless of what they believe. However, Jesus honors faith as small as a “mustard seed” and any who would self identify as a believer in Christ and “is in love and charity with their neighbor” (Book of Common Prayer) are welcome at Communion.

We certainly think so. While our beliefs are Biblical, orthodox, and reflect the theology of the Protestant Reformation, Anglicans retain many theological convictions, liturgies (styles of worship), and helpful traditions from the early Church that Roman Catholics would find familiar. We believe both would feel very much at home.

In the Creeds, believers affirm the “one holy catholic and apostolic church.” Catholic means universal and refers to the worldwide body of Christ. All those who know and love Christ are members of God’s eternal family, regardless of their denomination or church background. The orthodox Anglican tradition provides the venue for one form of worship of the Lord. We love it, and value the gift and breadth of Anglican liturgy and traditions. Anglican worship is a great way to connect with Christ.

The Liturgical Calendar divides the year into six major seasons: Advent and Christmas (Christ’s Coming), Epiphany (Christ for the whole world), Lent (a time for reflection, repentance and grace in preparation for Easter), Easter (Christ’s resurrection from the dead), Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of Christ’s Church on earth) followed by “normal time” (growing together as the Body of Christ and His witnesses in the world).

Liturgy is the structural form that any church uses to facilitate worship. Historically, Anglicans have believed that a balance of traditional and more informal liturgy can be helpful to facilitate worship for a variety of different people. Here is why: A steady liturgy transcends the ever-changing realities in our daily lives, and so we can count on it to bring us back to things that are true and constant. Also, Anglican liturgy teaches us how to pray Scripture, as it was written by biblically grounded theologians who crafted and taught Christian prayer based on certain scriptures. Also, Anglican liturgy connects us with millions of other Christians (from all over the world and throughout time) who have said the same prayers to the same God.