Origins and Characteristics of the Anglican Church

Vocabulary flashcards covering the origins of the Anglican Church, key historical figures, legislative acts, doctrinal developments, and structural features.

Protestant Reformation

16th-century religious movement beginning in 1517 that challenged Roman Catholic doctrine and authority, leading to new Protestant denominations.

Martin Luther

German monk whose Ninety-Five Theses condemned indulgences and sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Ninety-Five Theses

List of objections to Catholic practices, posted by Luther in 1517, critiquing indulgences and church corruption.

Indulgences

Certificates sold by the Catholic Church promising reduced punishment for sins; a major target of Luther’s criticism.

Lutheranism

Protestant tradition founded on Luther’s teachings that salvation is by faith alone and Scripture is the sole authority.

Calvinism

Protestant movement led by John Calvin emphasizing predestination and the sovereignty of God.

Anglican Church (Church of England)

National church established by Henry VIII in 1534 after breaking with the Pope; blends Catholic heritage with Protestant doctrine.

Henry VIII

English king who created the Church of England primarily to secure an annulment from Catherine of Aragon.

Act of Supremacy (1534)

Law declaring Henry VIII Supreme Head of the Church of England, severing ties with Rome.

Edward VI

Protestant son of Henry VIII who accelerated English Reformation and introduced major liturgical changes.

Book of Common Prayer (1549, 1552)

English-language liturgy compiled under Edward VI to standardise Protestant worship.

Thomas Cranmer

Archbishop of Canterbury who authored the Book of Common Prayer and guided Edward VI’s Protestant reforms.

Duke of Northumberland

John Dudley, political leader who steered England toward further Protestantism during Edward VI’s reign.

Mary I ("Bloody Mary")

Catholic queen (1553–1558) who restored papal authority and persecuted Protestants.

Restoration of Catholicism (Mary I)

Return to Mass, clerical celibacy, and papal supremacy between 1553 and 1558.

Elizabeth I

Protestant queen who enacted a moderate Religious Settlement and became Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Elizabethan Religious Settlement

1559 legislation (Act of Supremacy & Act of Uniformity) creating a Protestant church that retained some Catholic forms.

Act of Uniformity (1559)

Law requiring use of the revised Book of Common Prayer and attendance at Anglican services.

Supreme Governor

Title given to the English monarch as head of the Church of England under Elizabeth I.

"Middle Way" (Via Media)

Elizabeth’s policy of balancing Protestant doctrine with certain Catholic practices to maintain national unity.

Puritanism

Radical Protestant movement seeking to purge remaining Catholic elements from the Church of England; opposed by Elizabeth.

Threefold Ministry

Anglican clerical structure consisting of bishops, priests, and deacons.

Bishop (Anglican)

Senior clergy overseeing a diocese and responsible for doctrine, worship, and pastoral care.

Priest (Presbyter)

Ordained minister serving a parish, preaching, and administering sacraments such as baptism and communion.

Deacon

Ordained servant assisting bishops and priests, focusing on outreach and practical service.

Province (Anglican context)

Group of dioceses under a Metropolitan Archbishop; e.g., the Province of Western Australia.

Diocese

Geographical district of parishes led by a diocesan bishop.

Parish

Local congregation or area served by a church, responsible for the spiritual care of all residents within its boundaries.

Five Marks of Mission

Anglican framework describing the Church’s mission: Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform, Treasure.

Tell

First Mark of Mission: proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Teach

Second Mark of Mission: teach, baptise, and nurture new believers.

Tend

Third Mark of Mission: respond to human need with loving service.

Transform

Fourth Mark of Mission: transform unjust structures, challenge violence, and pursue peace and reconciliation.

Treasure

Fifth Mark of Mission: safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew life on earth.