15 Unique Facts about The Church of England and Description
15 Unique Facts about The Church of England
- The Church of England is the established church in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
- The Church of England traces its history back to the 6th century and is the oldest and largest Christian denomination in the country.
- The Church of England is led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and is governed by the General Synod, which is made up of bishops, clergy and laity.
- The Church of England is Protestant and is part of the Reformation movement. It is also known as the Anglican Church.
- The Church of England has an official liturgy and prayer book, known as the Book of Common Prayer, which is used in churches across the country.
- The Church of England has a hierarchical structure and is divided into dioceses, each led by a bishop.
- The Church of England has a royal connection and the monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church.
- The Church of England is part of the Anglican Communion, a global network of churches which share the same beliefs and practices.
- The Church of England is a major provider of education in England. It runs around 5,000 primary and secondary schools.
- The Church of England is a major provider of social services in England, including running hospitals, social care services and homeless shelters.
- The Church of England has a long history of involvement in politics and social issues.
- The Church of England is a major employer in England, with around 40,000 people working in parishes and dioceses.
- The Church of England is the largest landowner in England and Wales, owning around 500,000 acres.
- The Church of England has around 800 cathedrals and churches, many of which are open to the public.
- The Church of England has its own unique form of music, known as Anglican Chant.