Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism are two of the largest denominations within Christianity. Both share fundamental Christian beliefs, but they diverge on some critical theological and historical issues.
The split between the two churches was complex and driven by both political and religious factors. A key turning point was King Henry VIII’s desire for an annulment from Catherine of Aragon, which the Pope refused to grant. This led to Henry declaring himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England, effectively separating from Rome.
This article will compare and contrast the Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions across several key areas, including:
- Historical roots
- Theological differences
- Liturgical practices
- Approaches to social issues
Despite the historical and theological differences between the Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions, there is a shared commitment to the core truths of Christianity. There is an ongoing ecumenical dialogue between the two denominations to foster greater understanding and collaboration.