What is Anglicanism?

Anglicanism is the third largest Christian denomination in the world (after Roman Catholics and the Orthodox). With its origins in the Church of England, Anglicanism is the worldwide English-language expression of the Protestant Reformation that swept across Europe in the 1500s.

Reflecting the Scriptural, grace-focused, Christ-centered emphases of the Reformation, Anglicanism remains deeply grounded in tradition. We retain historic patterns of worship (i.e. liturgy), the ancient seasons of the church calendar (e.g. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter), and traditional orders within the church (i.e. deacons, presbyters or priests, and bishops). While we do not hold that such elements are essential to the faith, but believe that they reflect a helpful and reliable form of Christian worship and life.

Anglicanism has historically been remarkably flexible and generous in matters of faith, reflecting what St. Augustine once advised: “In essentials, Unity; in non-essentials, Liberty; in all things, Charity.” While we affirm together that certain things as non-negotiable —the Gospel, the Scriptures, as well as the historic 1662 Book of Common Prayer and the Articles of Religion — one will find within the world of Anglicanism a variety of worship styles and theological emphases. We are comfortable with a certain degree of disagreement under the authority of Scripture and within creedal orthodoxy. Not surprisingly, Anglicanism has a long, rich intellectual tradition. One does not check one’s brain at the door when entering an Anglican church.

All Saints is a parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).