anglo-catholicism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “anglo-catholicism” mean?
A tradition within the Anglican Communion emphasizing practices, rituals, and theological doctrines that are similar to those of Roman Catholicism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tradition within the Anglican Communion emphasizing practices, rituals, and theological doctrines that are similar to those of Roman Catholicism.
Refers to the movement, principles, and collective identity of Anglo-Catholics, often associated with a 'high church' liturgy, sacramental theology, veneration of saints, and sometimes a push for reunion with the Roman Catholic Church while maintaining Anglican distinctives.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is more historically prominent and embedded in the UK due to the established Church of England. In the US, the term is used within the Episcopal Church, but the movement may be less central to mainstream Anglican identity.
Connotations
In the UK, it often carries historical weight from the Oxford Movement. In both regions, it can be a neutral descriptor or a polemical term, depending on the speaker's churchmanship (High vs. Low Church).
Frequency
More frequent in UK religious discourse. Rare in general American English outside of specific theological or historical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “anglo-catholicism” in a Sentence
The rise of Anglo-CatholicismA history of Anglo-Catholicism in EnglandAdherents of Anglo-CatholicismThe theology of Anglo-CatholicismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anglo-catholicism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The parish began to anglo-catholicise its liturgy, introducing incense and vestments.
- They sought to anglo-catholicise the diocese.
American English
- The congregation decided to Anglo-Catholicize its worship style.
- Efforts to Anglo-Catholicize the national church met resistance.
adverb
British English
- The service was conducted Anglo-Catholicly, with full ceremonial.
- He preaches Anglo-Catholicly on the real presence.
American English
- The chapel is decorated Anglo-Catholicly, with statues and a rood screen.
- They worship Anglo-Catholicly, emphasizing the sacraments.
adjective
British English
- The Anglo-Catholic parish held a solemn high mass.
- He comes from a staunch Anglo-Catholic background.
American English
- The Anglo-Catholic rector introduced weekly Eucharist.
- She follows an Anglo-Catholic spiritual practice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, and history departments when discussing 19th-century church history or modern Anglican theology.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used in conversations among interested laypersons or churchgoers.
Technical
A precise term in ecclesiology and liturgical studies to denote a specific strand of Anglican practice and belief.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anglo-catholicism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anglo-catholicism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anglo-catholicism”
- Misspelling as 'Anglocatholicism' (often hyphenated).
- Confusing it with Roman Catholicism.
- Using it as a synonym for all of Anglicanism.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it shares many liturgical and theological similarities (e.g., emphasis on sacraments, liturgy, apostolic succession), Anglo-Catholicism remains a part of the Anglican Communion, which separated from Rome in the 16th century. Its adherents are Anglicans, not Roman Catholics.
The terms are closely related and often overlap. 'High Church' generally refers to a liturgical style emphasizing ceremony and tradition. 'Anglo-Catholic' is a more specific theological identity within the High Church tradition, actively emphasizing Catholic doctrine, sacraments, and sometimes ecumenical goals with Rome.
The hyphen links 'Anglo' (meaning English or Anglican) with 'Catholicism' to create a single compound noun describing a specific synthesis. It distinguishes it from general 'Catholicism'. Style guides often recommend hyphens for such compound nouns to aid readability.
Historically and typically, no. Anglo-Catholics uphold the autonomy of the Anglican Communion. However, some Anglo-Catholics (like those in the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter) have converted to Roman Catholicism while retaining elements of their Anglican patrimony, thereby accepting papal authority.
A tradition within the Anglican Communion emphasizing practices, rituals, and theological doctrines that are similar to those of Roman Catholicism.
Anglo-catholicism is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Anglo-catholicism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæŋ.ɡləʊ kəˈθɒl.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæŋ.ɡloʊ kəˈθɑː.lɪ.sɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Catholic side of the Anglican tradition”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Anglo' (English) + 'Catholicism' (like Roman Catholic). It's the English version of Catholic-style worship within the Anglican Church.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDGE or a SPECTRUM (positioning Anglicanism on a spectrum between Protestantism and Catholicism).
Practice
Quiz
Anglo-Catholicism is primarily a movement within which Christian tradition?