The Church Of England

Cards (4)

  • Church Government:The monarch is supreme governor of the Church.The Church is governed by an episcopal system but administered at parish levels by clergy working with locally elected unpaid churchwardens.
  • The Clergy:Ministers combine the reading of a sermon with the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer. They do not perform miracles.Ministers may marry.
  • Doctrine:Defined in the Thirty-nine Articles.'Holy scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation.'Predestination (idea that some people are the Elect destined for heaven)Double predestination (idea that the rest of mankind by definition is destined for hell)Two sacraments- baptism and EucharistThe Eucharist is open to different interpretations.Salvation can only be achieved through faith- 'Justification by Faith.
  • Religious Practices:The Bible is in english.The liturgy is in english.Services combine preaching and ceremonial. Churches have been stripped of most of their catholic decoration statues and images.Ministers wear vestments.Communion tables normally stand at the east end of the church where the altar had stood.The minister conducts the service facing the congregation. He delivers the sermon from the pulpit.Making the sign of the cross and bowing at the name of Jesus are encouraged.No veneration of saints or holy relics.