Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church, is the established Christian church in England. It is a Protestant denomination that traces its roots back to the Reformation and recognizes the British monarch as its supreme governor.
Related terms
Protestantism: Protestantism refers to a branch of Christianity that originated from the Reformation movement led by Martin Luther. It emphasizes individual interpretation of scripture and rejects certain practices and beliefs of Catholicism.
Established Religion: An established religion is one that is officially recognized by a government or state as having special status or privileges. The Church of England serves as an example of an established religion in England.
Monarchial Authority: Monarchial authority refers to political power held by a monarch, such as a king or queen. In the case of the Church of England, the British monarch holds significant influence over its governance and leadership.