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What do High Church and Anglo-Catholic Anglicans emphasize in worship and devotion?
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Anglicanism
The stately Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England. The cathedral is the seat of the archbishop of Canterbury, the mother church of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion, and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
High Church and Anglo-Catholic Anglicans emphasize the "Catholic" heritage of the Anglican Communion, prioritizing continuity with the early, undivided church. Their approach to worship and devotion is characterized by several key features:12
- Liturgical Emphasis: They place a high value on formal liturgical worship, often incorporating increased use of ceremony and ritual.12
- Sacramental Focus: There is a strong emphasis on the importance of the sacraments. While all Anglicans honor various rites, Anglo-Catholics often maintain a deep reverence for the Eucharist and the sacramental life of the church.13
- Ecclesiology: They emphasize the importance of the episcopal form of church government and the apostolic succession, asserting that the church's authority is derived from its historical connection to the Apostles.12
- Devotional Practices: Unlike some other Anglican traditions, Anglo-Catholics may incorporate practices similar to Roman Catholicism, such as Marian devotions and asking for the intercession of saints.3
- Church Life: The movement has historically fostered a commitment to pastoral care, the education of clergy, and the establishment of monastic communities.2