Definition

Proper noun The Anglican Church refers to the national Christian church of England, and by extension, the global communion of churches that are in full communion with it and share its beliefs and traditions. Its spiritual head is the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the British sovereign is its Supreme Governor.

Usage

The term "Anglican Church" is used to refer to this specific Christian denomination as an institution. * The Anglican Church has a rich history of liturgy and music. * She decided to be confirmed into the Anglican Church. * The Anglican Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Advanced Usage

• The Church of England is often used synonymously with "Anglican Church" in the context of England itself, but "Anglican Church" is the more global term.
  • The Anglican Church in Canada is called the Anglican Church of Canada.

Variants and Related Words

• Anglican Communion: The worldwide family of churches in communion with the see of Canterbury.
  • Issues are often debated by bishops at the Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Communion.
• Anglican: (Adjective) Relating to the Anglican Church. (Noun) A member of the Anglican Church.
  • She follows the Anglican tradition. (Adjective)
  • He is an Anglican. (Noun)
• Episcopal Church: The name for the Anglican Church in the United States and some other countries.
  • The Episcopal Church is a member province of the Anglican Communion.

Synonyms

• Church of England (specifically for the church in England)
• Established Church (in the context of England being the state church)

Related Terms and Concepts

• See of Canterbury: The jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion.
• Supreme Governor: The title of the British sovereign in relation to the Church of England.
• Via Media: A Latin term meaning "middle way," often used to describe Anglicanism's historical position between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

Noun

1. the national church of England (and all other churches in other countries that share its beliefs); has its see in Canterbury and the sovereign as its temporal head