Anglican vs. Catholic
What is difference between Anglican and Catholic? Although they come from the same Christian roots founded by Jesus Christ in Judea 2000 years ago, Anglicans and Catholics have diverged to become two separate forms of Christianity. Below this post is all about the difference between Anglican and Catholic.
Difference between Anglican and Catholic
Definition
Anglican refers to the Church of England and its related branches throughout the world.
Catholic comes from the Greek word meaning universal. It was the first form of Christianity and claims to have maintained an apostolic leadership intact since the time of St. Peter.
Origins
The Anglican Church came into force during the Reformation. It was the creation of Henry VIII. He could not get the Catholic Church to endorse his divorce, and therefore, he retired to form his own sect. During the time of Isabel I, the Anglican Church was formalized.
The Catholic Church began as soon as the apostles of Christ began to preach after his death. In the fourth century AD, Catholicism became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Shortly before that, the Council of Nicea codified the Catholic beliefs.
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The Anglican Church does not recognize any central hierarchy that places one church or priest above others. This gives each individual church and region a lot of freedom to decide on its policies. All Anglican churches are part of the Communion. The Archbishop of Canterbury is considered the first among his peers, but that does not give him authority over the churches that are outside his region.
The Catholic Church has a deeply rooted hierarchy. On the lowest step are the priests of the parish, then the bishops, archbishops and cardinals, and finally, the Pope. Each level has authority over more congregations. The pope is chosen by the cardinals and considered as the successor of the apostle Peter. The Pope is also considered infallible in matters of doctrine of the Church.
Beliefs and Practices
Anglican priests can get married. The parishioners take communion, but believe it is a symbolic act. The mass consists of many “smells and bells” as a disgraced parishioner says.
Catholic priests must take a vow of celibacy. The same happens with monks and nuns. It is believed that communion is accompanied by the miracle of transubstantiation. There is a liberal use of incense and bells in the mass. Also catholic believes that Jesus sacrifice for them. For giving honor and showing respect to Jesus, whole Catholic and Christen communities celebrate Good Friday event. You may visit https://goodfridaymorning.com/ to learn more about Holy Good Friday.
Controversy
In recent years, the autonomy of the Anglican Church has led to conflicts between more liberal branches that wish to include gays and lesbians as members of the clergy and conservative branches who feel that this is not correct. The Anglican Church is in danger of an irrevocable separation.
The Catholic Church has been shaken by the scandal of priests who sexually abuse altar boys. When these accusations are proven, the priests have been dismissed shamefully.
Summary:
- Anglicans and Catholics were together before Henry VIII separated from the Church.
- The Anglican Church avoids hierarchy while the Catholic Church adopts it.
- Most of the mass is the same, but Catholics believe that bread and wine are really the body and blood of Christ.
- Both churches have had to fight against their own storm of controversy in recent years.
