Ecumenism and the Church of England1. IntroductionIn this study, we will try to give a general idea, without entering too much in details, of the developmentwhich has occurred in the Anglican Church since the Reformation up too our days. While in the beginning,partially due to the excommunication and deposition of the Queen by Pope St. Pius V, there was clear hostilitybetween the two parties, today we see a rapprochement on a number doctrinal issues as well as on a betterunderstanding of the differentiating views. On the other side, new problems have appeared. We willconcentrate mainly on doctrinal issues.2. The History of the Church of EnglandAnglicanism is the official religion of England. Is it a protestant Church? That is a disputed question, evenamong Anglicans. Some claim that their Church is fully Catholic, but without "Roman errors", while othersclaim it to be essentially protestant. Both groups, however, pretend their Church to be the continuation of theChurch of Saints Augustine and Bede.1. The Reformation. Distinction must be made between the separation from Rome and the establishment of theReformation. The separation has been effected for reasons, which have nothing to do with the doctrines of thereformers. These doctrines entered only gradually: the Church of England became gradually Protestant whilekeeping the exterior organisation it possessed before the Reformation. The fundamental principle ofProtestantism indeed is private judgement1. Anglicanism (even the Anglo-Catholic movement) is establishedon this principle.Important milestones in the history are the years 1549 when the first Book of Common Prayer was imposed byParliament, and 1563 when the 39 articles (which every clergyman must sign before receiving ordination)were promulgated. In these two formularies we find the official doctrine. The controversies among Anglicansexist only on their interpretation.Under Henry VIII (1535-1547) the controversy with Rome was on royal jurisdiction, considered ...