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{{Christianity}}

{{Christianity}}

The '''Anglican Communion''' is the third largest christian religon in the world after Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox. The Anglican Communion functions as a worldwide body of associated churchs in full communion with the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]]. The Church of England is often seen as the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and all Anglican churchs.

The '''Anglican Communion''' is the third largest Christian division in the world after Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. The Anglican Communion functions as a worldwide body of associated Anglican churches in full communion with the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]]. There are also a few churches that are not Anglican but have been received into full communion with the Anglican Communion, for instance the national churches of Scandinavia. The Church of England is often seen as the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and all Anglican churchs.

==Leadership==

==Leadership==

The British monarch (currently, Queen [[Elizabeth II]]) is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England making her the titular head of the Anglican Communion. The British Monarch also bears the title 'Defender of the Faith'. A law dating from 1701, still in effect, prevents a Roman Catholic or spouse of a Roman Catholic from becoming king or queen.<ref> See [http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?activeTextDocId=1565208 Text]</ref>

The British monarch (currently, Queen [[Elizabeth II]]) is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the mother church of the Anglican Communion. The British Monarch has also, since the time of King Henry VIII, held the title 'Defender of the Faith'. A law dating from 1701, still in effect, prevents a Roman Catholic or spouse of a Roman Catholic from becoming king or queen.<ref> See [http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?activeTextDocId=1565208 Text]</ref>

The [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], the head of the Holy See of Canterbury, is the head of the Communion, and is seen as the 'Anglican Pope', his official pronouncements being considered binding on all Anglicans. He has the ability to canonize saints, a notable example being Saint King [[Charles I]], the martyr. He can veto the appointment of any bishop.

The [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], the head of the Holy See of Canterbury, is the head of the Communion and is seen sometimes, but erroneously, as the 'Anglican Pope.' Unlike a Pope, his official pronouncements are not considered binding on all Anglicans and his jurisdiction is limited to England.

The principal book of worship in Anglican churches is the [[Book of Common Prayer]] created by [[Thomas Cranmer]].

The principal book of worship in Anglican churches is the [[Book of Common Prayer]], created by [[Thomas Cranmer]].

==Churchs in Full Communion==

==Some of the Churches in Full Communion==

* [[Church of England]]

* [[Church of England]]

* Anglican Church in Australia

* Anglican Church in Australia

* The [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America]] remains a member of the Anglican Communion but has yielded to demands from other Communion members to remove itself from participation in the Communion's council for everyday decision-making. This has occurred in the aftermath of the Episcopal Church's refusal to adhere to demands made to her to cease consecrating homosexual bishops. In addition, many provinces of the Anglican Communion are no longer in full communion with the Episcopal church, having unilaterally discontinued the relationship.  

* [[Episcopal Church in the United States of America]] : removed after failing to adhere to demands to not promote rampant homosexuality.

[[Continuing Anglican]]ism is a movement of churches whose beliefs and practices are Anglican, but are '''not''' in full communion with the Church of England. These churches are generally more conservative.

[[Continuing Anglican]]ism is a movement of churches whose beliefs and practices are Anglican but which separated from member churches of the Anglican Communion. They are '''not''' in full communion with the Church of England and do not seek to be so. These churches are generally more conservative than the churches which hold membership in the Anglican Communion.

[[Category:British History]]

[[Category:British History]]

[[Category:Anglicans]]

[[Category:Anglicans]]