Anglicans

Definition

Anglicans are members of the Church of England and its affiliated churches worldwide, rooted in the Protestant Reformation and characterized by a middle path between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. This group played a crucial role during the American Revolution, particularly among Loyalists who sought to maintain their allegiance to the British Crown and the established church.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many Anglicans in the American colonies identified strongly with British loyalty and were often involved in Loyalist activities during the Revolution.
2. The Anglican Church was established as the state church in England, influencing its followers in America to uphold loyalty to Britain.
3. The disruption caused by the American Revolution led to a decline in Anglican influence and church attendance in the newly formed United States.
4. Prominent Anglican figures, such as Samuel Seabury, advocated for loyalism and worked to maintain ties with Britain during the conflict.
5. After the Revolution, Anglicans faced challenges in reorganizing their church structure in America, leading to the formation of the Episcopal Church as a distinct entity.

Review Questions

• How did Anglican beliefs influence the political stance of Loyalists during the American Revolution?
  • Anglican beliefs significantly influenced Loyalists, as many viewed allegiance to the Church of England as intertwined with loyalty to the British Crown. The Anglican Church's structure and teachings reinforced traditional governance values, leading adherents to support British authority. This connection made Anglicans prominent among Loyalist ranks, often facing conflict with revolutionary groups that sought independence from Britain.
• Discuss the role of prominent Anglican leaders during the American Revolution and their impact on Loyalist sentiments.
  • Prominent Anglican leaders like Samuel Seabury emerged as vocal supporters of Loyalism during the American Revolution. They provided religious justification for loyalty to Britain, framing it as a defense of both faith and order. Their influence was significant in rallying support among Anglicans and reinforcing Loyalist sentiments within communities that identified with the established church. This leadership helped maintain a degree of organizational coherence among Anglicans during a time of upheaval.
• Evaluate how the outcome of the American Revolution affected the future of Anglicanism in America and its followers.
  • The outcome of the American Revolution had profound effects on Anglicanism in America, leading to a dramatic shift in its status and organization. With the Church of England disestablished, Anglicans had to adapt quickly to a new environment that was increasingly anti-British. This resulted in the formation of the Episcopal Church, which sought to maintain Anglican traditions while establishing an independent identity. The disconnection from Britain also fostered a re-evaluation of church governance, practices, and their role within a new national context.

Related terms

Loyalists:

Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, often facing persecution from revolutionary forces.

Episcopacy: A form of church governance led by bishops, which is central to Anglicanism and distinguishes it from other Protestant denominations.

Tory: A term often used interchangeably with Loyalists, referring to those who supported the British government against the American revolutionaries.