anglikaani

Anglikaani, also known as Anglicanism, is a tradition within Christianity comprising the Church of England and other churches, originally united under the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a communion with historical origins in the Christian Church in England. The word Anglican originates from the Latin word Anglicanus, referring to the English people. The Anglican Communion is the umbrella organization for the various national and regional Anglican churches in full communion with the Church of England.

The roots of Anglicanism trace back to the Roman Christian church in the ancient British isles. The Church of England declared its independence from the Roman Catholic Church in 1534, during the English Reformation, under the reign of King Henry VIII. This separation was solidified under the reign of Elizabeth I, leading to the development of distinct Anglican doctrines and practices.

Anglicanism is often considered a via media or "middle way" between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It retains many traditional Catholic practices and sacraments, such as the Eucharist, while also embracing Protestant principles like the supremacy of scripture and justification by faith. The Anglican Communion is characterized by its diversity, encompassing a wide range of theological perspectives and liturgical practices.

The Anglican Communion is organized into provinces, each led by a primate, with the Archbishop of Canterbury serving as the symbolic and spiritual leader of the global communion. The Church of England follows a modified version of the Episcopal polity, where the highest authority is a council of bishops and other representatives. The Anglican Communion has a significant presence worldwide, with millions of adherents across various continents.