Anglican Churches and Catholic Churches both came from the same roots of Christianity but have now diverged to become two separate forms of Christianity after Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church [1]. Although Catholic and Anglican Churches are quite similar there are still a number of major differences. Some of these differences include the historical basis of theological understandings plus core beliefs and liturgy.
The Catholic Church which is also known as the Roman Catholic Church is the world's largest Christian based Church. The leader of the Catholic Church is the Pope and he holds supreme authority within the Church [2]. The history of the Catholic Church is a fundamental part of the history of Christianity. Catholic beliefs are based on the Holy Bible, Sacred Catholicism Tradition and the attendance of Church [2]. Catholics believe that Jesus is the son of God and that in Jesus there is not only one person but two natures, human and divine [2].
Anglicans acknowledge that they are part of the church that commenced in the Eighteenth century [3]. For instance when a bishop or a priest lays his hands on the people, the laying on of the hands is from way back from Christ, the connection with Christ which has never been broken for more than 2000 years [3]. The Anglicans believe in God and their main focus is on the creed which is the teaching of Christ and Baptism [3]. The head leader of the Anglican Church is the Archbishop of Canterbury and he oversees the world wide Anglican community [3].
The liturgy is another very distinct different between the Anglican Church and the Catholic Church. The Anglican Church liturgies are based on the Holy bible and the teachings of Christ [3]. The service begins with three very traditional hymns. These hymns are printed on paper and are handed out at the beginning of the service. After the singing, the priest then reads from the prayer book. Each Sunday the reading that is read in the Anglican Church is the same one which is read in the Catholic Church. The communion in the Anglican Church is basically about showing Jesus the sign of humble by kneeling before him and taking a piece of bread and a sip of wine [3]. The meaning of the bread and wine for Anglicans is the same as the meaning for Catholics which is that the bread becomes the body of Christ and the wine becomes the blood of Christ. In addition anyone who is baptized is able to take communion [3].
On the other hand the liturgy that is followed in Catholic Churches is that of the Eucharist which refers to both the celebration of the Mass and that the bread and wine become supernaturally transported into the true body and blood of Jesus Christ [4]. In addition Catholics are not permitted to receive communion in Protestant churches because of their different beliefs and practices regarding Holy Orders and the Eucharist. The Church teaches that Christ established a New Covenant with humanity through the institution of the Eucharist at the last supper. Because the Church teaches that Christ is present in the mass there are strict rules about it. Unlike the Anglican Church anyone who is not baptized as a Catholic may not take communion in a Catholic Church.
References:
[1] Difference Between Anglican and Catholic. Accessed from: http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-anglican-and-catholic/ on 14 June 2010.
[2] A priest at St Stephens Cathedral Brisbane Church, 12 March 2010.
[3] Collins, D. A member of St Gabriel’s Anglican Church, 9 May 2010.
[4] Eucharist in the Catholic Church. Accessed from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist_in_the_Catholic_Church on 14 June 2010.
