anglikanismi

Anglikanizam, known in English as Anglicanism, is a Christian tradition comprising autonomous churches in full communion with the Church of England and with each other through the See of Canterbury. It blends Catholic heritage with Protestant Reformation principles, a balance often described as via media.

Its origins lie in the English Reformation of the 16th century, when the Church of England separated from Rome and evolved under leaders such as Thomas Cranmer and Elizabeth I. The Elizabethan Settlement established a moderate framework for doctrine and worship. The Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles codified core beliefs and rites.

Anglican governance is episcopal, with provinces led by bishops and archbishops; Canterbury serves as a symbolic spiritual center. Authority is commonly framed as Scripture, Tradition, and Reason, and worship is liturgical. Baptism and the Eucharist are universally recognized; other sacraments and rites are observed variably.

Globally, the Anglican Communion includes the Church of England, the Episcopal Church (USA), the Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Australia, and many other national churches. The Communion has no central pope-like authority; it is united by shared heritage, liturgical resources, and communion with Canterbury.

Today Anglicans span diverse theological streams—evangelical, liberal, and catholic—leading to ongoing debates on issues such as ordination of women and same-sex marriage. The tradition also engages in ecumenical dialogue and social ethics.