Anglicanadjacent

Anglicanadjacent is a descriptive label used in religious studies and journalism to refer to individuals, congregations, organizations, or movements that are closely aligned with Anglican tradition or practice but are not formal members of the Anglican Communion or a recognized Anglican church. Outside the formal structures, these groups may retain liturgical forms drawn from the Anglican tradition, such as the use of the Book of Common Prayer, or episcopal-style governance in a loose sense, even as they operate independently.

The term emerged in late 20th to early 21st century as scholars mapped the religious landscape that includes continuing and emergent forms of Anglican identity beyond established denominations. It is used mainly in comparative ecclesiology and ecumenical dialogue to describe affinities that do not amount to official membership.

Anglicanadjacent groups often show a mix of sacramental emphasis and evangelical or charismatic features; they may preserve liturgical language and aesthetics of Anglican worship while avoiding formal ties, denominational discipline, or hierarchical oversight. Examples include college chaplaincies, mission churches, or ecumenical fellowships that adopt Anglican liturgy, hymnody, or ordination practices without seeking official communion with the Anglican Church.

Critics argue the label can be vague or strategically used to confer legitimacy, while supporters see it as a useful shorthand for shared practices and heritage. Scholars caution that Anglicanadjacent is not a canonical status and should be applied with attention to local self-understandings and historical context.