The Anglican Church is made up of a communion of nearly 80 million Christians worldwide making it the third largest denomination in the world (after Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Churches). The Gospel of Jesus Christ came to the British Isles long before Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries there in 597 A.D. This distinct, Celtic Christianity was subsumed into the Roman Catholic Church over the centuries until King Henry VIII cut ties and established the Church of England. The rise of the British Empire also sprung one of the greatest missionary movements in history, which is why Anglican Churches exist around the world today. 

Today, Anglicanism maintains its long history of providing a middle way, or via media, between Protestantism and Catholicism by being sacramental, evangelical, and charismatic. Anglican worship is informed by the Book of Common Prayer, which provides structure for corporate worship, private prayer, and church life. Services for Holy Communion are thematic based on the liturgical Church calendar. We are episcopal in polity, meaning we are governed by bishops in our particular diocese. Diocese and bishops exist to resource and support each local parish church in gospel ministry. For more information about Anglicanism, visit www.anglicanchurch.net or sign up for one of our upcoming newcomers lunch.