anglikanismen

Anglikanismen, also known as Anglicanism, is a branch of Christianity that emerged from the Church of England in the 16th century during the English Reformation. It was established under King Henry VIII after his break with the Roman Catholic Church in 1534, primarily to secure his annulment of marriage. The movement retained much of Catholic liturgy and structure while adopting Protestant theological emphasis on scripture and reason.

The theological core of anglikanismen is articulated in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, a set of doctrinal statements that balance Catholic tradition with Reformation principles. Its liturgical life is centered on the Book of Common Prayer, which defines rites such as the Eucharist, baptism, and penance. Anglikan churches have historically maintained a middle path between Catholicism and other Protestant denominations, a stance reflected in the term "via media."

Organizationally, the Church of England is the mother church of the Anglican Communion, a global family of churches that share common doctrine, sacraments, and governance models. Each member church is autonomous but maintains communion through the Archbishop of Canterbury. Anglikanismen now exists across more than 160 countries, with significant presence in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, India, and various African and Asian nations.

The movement has exerted considerable influence on cultural, legal, and educational institutions in its strongholds, shaping religious debate on issues such as gender roles, sexuality, and ecumenism. Its adaptability, combined with adherence to historic practices, has enabled anglikanismen to remain a prominent and evolving tradition within global Christianity.