We are a global family of Christians. Anglicans are the third largest Christian group in the world behind the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, with over 85 million members in 165 countries. The vast majority of Anglicans live in the Global South, the “average” Anglican being a 20-something African woman.

Anglicanism is often called the middle way (via media) between Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. In other words, we are reformed catholics. We are catholic because we uphold the “faith once delivered to all the saints” (Jude 3) and remain in continuity with the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” (Nicene Creed). By “catholic” we mean “universal,” not “Roman Catholic.” Anglicanism traces its roots all the way back to the apostolic age, which is perhaps most clearly seen in our liturgical and sacramental worship. At the same time, we are reformed catholics, because we receive the catholic faith as it was shaped by the Reformation’s commitments to biblical primacy and enlivened by the evangelical revivals of the last three centuries. The Book of Common Prayer is central to this rich Anglican heritage, beautifully holding together both the reformed and catholic.

Anglicans are quite a diverse and vibrant part of the kingdom. Many people have encountered Anglicanism through great 20th-century minds like C.S. Lewis, T.S. Eliot, Evelyn Underhill, and Dorothy Sayers; through more contemporary pastors and theologians like J.I. Packer, John Stott, N.T. Wright, Rowan Williams, and Tish Harrison Warren; or through the Alpha Course or Peace & Reconciliation movements. We seek to proclaim the gospel both in word and deed, and are committed to planting churches, developing leaders, and discipling future generations.

If interested in learning more, Fr. Mike would love to connect with you. You can also checkout our favorite website and podcast about Anglicanism.