Historical Dictionary of Anglicanism

Colin Buchanan

Feb 2006 · Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series Book 62 · Scarecrow Press

About this ebook

Anglicanism arguably originated in 1534 when Parliament passed the Act of Supremacy, which transferred papal power over the Church of England to the king. Today, approximately 550 dioceses are located around the world, not only in England, but also everywhere that the British Empire's area of influence extended. With an estimated total membership of about 75 million, Anglicanism is one of the largest and most varied Christian denominations. With such a long history and widespread flock, it is not easy to keep track of the variations of a religious community that has not ceased adapting since its inception. Hundreds of entries on significant persons and events, concepts and institutions, rituals and liturgy, and national communities, make this an invaluable reference for religious historians, theologians, and researchers. Also included are an introduction, a chronology that traces the church's evolution over time, and a bibliography.

About the author

Colin Buchanan was ordained a deacon in 1961, elected to the House of Bishops in 1990, and until 2004 he was the Bishop of Woolwich. These are just a few of the major signposts in a career that has spanned nearly five decades and included work as a pastor and teacher as well as a participant in major Anglican and ecumenical commissions and conferences.