View source for Church of England

{{Short description|Anglican church in England}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|C of E|Council of Europe}}
{{redirect|English church|other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2017}}
{{Infobox religion
| name               = Church of England
| image              = Logo of the Church of England.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert
| abbreviation       = 
| main_classification = [[Protestantism|Protestant]]
| theology           = [[Anglican doctrine]]
| liturgy            = [[Book of Common Prayer (1662)|1662 ''Book of Common Prayer'']], ''[[Common Worship]]''
| orientation        = [[Anglicanism|Anglican]]
| polity             = [[Episcopal polity|Episcopal]]
| scripture          = [[Protestant Bible]]
| associations       = [[Anglican Communion]]<br />[[Porvoo Communion]]<br />[[World Council of Churches]]<ref>[https://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/church-of-england Church of England] at World Council of Churches</ref>
| leader_title       = [[Supreme Governor of the Church of England|Supreme Governor]]
| leader_name        = {{Current UK monarch |Charles III}}
| leader_title1      = [[Primates in the Anglican Communion|Primate]]
| leader_name1       = [[Stephen Cottrell]] (''acting'')
| fellowships_type   = [[Koinonia|Fellowships]]
| fellowships        = {{plainlist}}
* '''[[Full communion]]'''
** [[Anglican]] churches in the [[Anglican Communion]] (since 1867)
** [[Old Catholic]] churches in the [[Union of Utrecht (Old Catholic)|Union of Utrecht]] (since [[Bonn Agreement (Christianity)|1931]])
** [[Philippine Independent Church]] (since 1963)
** [[Lutheran]] churches in the [[Porvoo Communion]] (since 1996)
* '''Partnership relations'''
** [[Evangelical Church in Germany|EKD]] (since 1991)
** [[Moravian Church of the British Province|Moravians]] (since 1995)
** [[United Protestant Church of France|EPU]] (since 2001)
** [[Union of Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine|UEPAL]] (since 2001)
** [[Methodist Church of Great Britain|Methodists]] (since 2003)
** [[Church of Scotland|CoS]] (since 2016)
{{endplainlist}}
| area               = England, Wales (cross-border parishes)<br />[[Isle of Man]]<br />[[Channel Islands]]<br />Continental Europe
| headquarters       = [[Church House, Westminster]], England
| founded            = 
| founder            = {{ublist|[[Augustine of Canterbury]] <br />(united the early English church under [[papal supremacy|papal jurisdiction]])|[[Henry VIII]] <br />(separated the church from papal jurisdiction)|[[Thomas Cranmer]] <br />(author of the first liturgical rites of the church during the [[English Reformation]])}}
| separated_from     = [[Roman Catholic Church]]<br />([[Acts of Supremacy|1534]], and again in [[Act of Supremacy 1558|1558]] after the brief [[Second Statute of Repeal|1554 reunion]])
| separations        = {{plainlist}}
* '''New traditions:'''
** [[English Separatists|Separatists]] (1534 onwards)
** [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|Nonconformist]] [[Puritans]] ([[Congregationalists]], [[Baptists]] & [[English Presbyterians|Presbyterians]]) ([[Great Ejection|1662]])
** [[Methodists]] (18th century)
** [[Plymouth Brethren]] (1820s)
* '''Anglican denominations:'''
** [[Free Church of England|FCE]] (1844)
** [[Church of England (Continuing)|CoE (Continuing)]] (1994)
** [[Anglican Mission in England|AMiE]] (2013)
* '''Reunited with [[Holy See|Rome]]:'''
** [[Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham]] (2011)
{{endplainlist}}
| congregations      = 
| members            = 26 million (baptised; self-reported in 2024);
23 million (baptised; World Christian Database in 2020)
| ministers          = 
| missionaries       = 
| primary_schools    = 
| secondary_schools  = 
| tax_status         = 
| tertiary           = 
| other_names        = Anglican Church
| publications       = 
| website            = {{Official URL}}
| footnotes          = 
}}
The '''Church of England''' ('''C of E''') is the [[State religion#State churches|established]] [[List of Christian denominations|Christian church]] in [[England]] and the [[Crown Dependencies]]. It was the initial church of the [[Anglicanism|Anglican tradition]]. The Church traces its history to the Christian hierarchy recorded as existing in the [[Roman Britain|Roman province of Britain]] by the 3rd century and to the 6th-century [[Gregorian mission]] to [[Kingdom of Kent|Kent]] led by [[Augustine of Canterbury]]. Its members are called ''Anglicans''.

In 1534, the Church of England renounced the authority of the [[Pope|Papacy]] under the direction of King [[Henry VIII]] pursuant to laws passed by the [[English Reformation Parliament|Parliament]], beginning the 
[[English Reformation]]. The guiding theologian that shaped Anglican doctrine was the reforming Archbishop [[Thomas Cranmer]], who developed the Church of England's liturgical text, the ''[[Book of Common Prayer]]''.<ref name="Samuel2020">{{cite book |last1=Samuel |first1=Chimela Meehoma |title=Treasures of the Anglican Witness: A Collection of Essays |date=28 April 2020 |publisher=Partridge Publishing |isbn=978-1-5437-5784-2 |language=en |quote=In addition to his emphasis on Bible reading and the introduction to the ''Book of Common Prayer'', other media through which Cranmer sought to catechize the English people were the introduction of the First Book of Homilies and the 39 Articles of Religion. Together with the ''Book of Common Prayer'' and the Forty-Two Articles (which were later reduced to thirty-nine), the Book of Homilies stands as one of the essential texts of the Edwardian Reformation, and they all helped to define the shape of Anglicanism then, and in the subsequent centuries. More so, the Articles of Religion, whose primary shape and content were given by Archbishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridley in 1553 (and whose final official form was ratified by Convocation, the Queen, and Parliament in 1571), provided a more precise interpretation of Christian doctrine to the English people. According to John H. Rodgers, they "constitute the formal statements of the accepted, common teaching put forth by the Church of England as a result of the Reformation."}}</ref> Papal authority was [[Second Statute of Repeal|briefly restored]] under [[Mary I of England|Mary I]], before her successor [[Elizabeth I]] [[Act of Supremacy 1558|renewed the breach]]. The [[Elizabethan Settlement]] (implemented 1559–1563) concluded the English Reformation, charting a course for the English church to describe itself as a ''[[via media]]'' between two branches of Protestantism—[[Lutheranism]] and [[Calvinism]]—and later, a denomination that is both [[Reformed Christianity|Reformed]] and [[Catholic (term)|Catholic]].<ref name="HSEC2003">{{cite book|title=Anglican and Episcopal History|year=2003|publisher=Historical Society of the Episcopal Church|language=en|page=15|quote=Others had made similar observations, Patrick McGrath commenting that the Church of England was not a middle way between Roman Catholic and Protestant, but "between different forms of Protestantism", and William Monter describing the Church of England as "a unique style of Protestantism, a via media between the Reformed and Lutheran traditions". MacCulloch has described Cranmer as seeking a middle way between Zurich and Wittenberg but elsewhere remarks that the Church of England was "nearer Zurich and Geneva than Wittenberg.}}</ref>

In the earlier phase of the [[English Reformation]] there were both [[List of Catholic martyrs of the English Reformation|Catholic]] and [[List of Protestant martyrs of the English Reformation|Protestant martyrs]]. This continued into the later phases, which saw the [[English Penal Laws|Penal Laws]] punish Catholics and [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|nonconforming Protestants]]. Various factions continued to challenge the leadership and doctrine of the church into the 17th century, which under [[Charles I of England|Charles I]] veered towards a more Catholic interpretation of the Elizabethan Settlement, especially under Archbishop [[William Laud|Laud]]. Following the victory of the [[Roundhead]]s in the [[English Civil War]], the [[Puritan]] faction dominated and the ''Book of Common Prayer'' and episcopacy were abolished. These would be restored under the [[Restoration (1660)|Stuart Restoration]] in 1660.

Since the English Reformation, the Church of England has used the [[English language]] in the [[liturgy]]. As a [[broad church]], the Church of England contains several doctrinal strands: the main traditions are known as [[Anglo-Catholic#Practices and beliefs|Anglo-Catholic]], [[high church]], [[central churchmanship|central church]], and [[low church]], the last producing a growing [[Evangelical Anglicanism|evangelical]] wing that includes [[Reformed Anglicanism]], with a smaller number of [[Anglican Arminianism|Arminian Anglicans]].<ref name="The Gospel Coalition">{{cite web |last1=Hampton |first1=Stephen |title=Anti-Arminians: The Anglican Reformed Tradition from Charles II to George I |url=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/review/anti-arminians-the-anglican-reformed-tradition-from-charles-ii-to-george-i/ |publisher=[[The Gospel Coalition]] |access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> Tensions between theological [[Conservative Christianity|conservatives]] and [[liberal Christianity|liberals]] find expression in debates over the [[ordination of women in the Anglican Communion|ordination of women]] and [[homosexuality and the Anglican Communion|same-sex marriage]]. The [[British monarch]] (currently {{Current UK monarch |Charles III}}) is the [[Supreme Governor of the Church of England|supreme governor]], and the [[archbishop of Canterbury]] (vacant since 7 January 2025, after the resignation of [[Justin Welby]]) is the most senior [[cleric]]. The governing structure of the Church is based on [[List of Church of England dioceses|diocese]]s, each presided over by a bishop. Within each diocese are local parishes. The [[General Synod of the Church of England]] is the legislative body for the church and comprises bishops, other clergy and [[laity]]. Its [[Church of England measure|measures]] must be approved by the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]].

==History==
{{Main|History of the Church of England}}

===Middle Ages===
[[File:Hereford_Cathedral_Nave,_Herefordshire,_UK_-_Diliff.jpg|thumb|[[Hereford Cathedral]] is one of the church's 43 cathedrals; many have histories stretching back centuries.]]
{{Further|Religion in Medieval England|Anglo-Saxon Christianity}}

There is evidence for [[Christianity in Roman Britain]] as early as the 3rd century. After the fall of the [[Roman Empire]], England was conquered by the [[Anglo-Saxons]], who were [[Anglo-Saxon paganism|pagans]], and the [[Celtic church]] was confined to Cornwall and Wales.{{Sfn|Moorman|1973|pp=3–4, 9}} In 597, [[Pope Gregory&nbsp;I]] sent missionaries to England to [[Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England|Christianise the Anglo-Saxons]]. This mission was led by [[Augustine of Canterbury|Augustine]], who became the first [[archbishop of Canterbury]]. The Church of England considers 597 the start of its formal history.<ref name="DetailedHistory">{{cite web |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/media-centre/history-church-england |title=History of the Church of England |publisher=Church of England |access-date=25 April 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416023707/https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/media-centre/history-church-england |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Study of Anglicanism|publisher=Fortress Books|year=1998|isbn=0-281-05175-5|location=London|page=477|editor-first=John E. |editor-last=Booty|editor-first2=Stephen |editor-last2=Sykes|editor-first3=Jonathan |editor-last3=Knight}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Delaney, John P.|url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofsain00dela/page/67|title=Dictionary of Saints|publisher=Doubleday|year=1980|isbn=978-0-385-13594-8|edition=Second|location=Garden City, NY|pages=[https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofsain00dela/page/67 67–68]|url-access=registration}}</ref>

In [[Northumbria]], Celtic missionaries competed with their Roman counterparts. The Celtic and Roman churches disagreed over the [[Easter controversy|date of Easter]], baptismal customs, and the style of [[tonsure]] worn by monks.{{Sfn|Moorman|1973|p=19}} King [[Oswiu of Northumbria]] summoned the [[Synod of Whitby]] in 664. The king decided Northumbria would follow the Roman tradition because [[Saint Peter]] and his successors, the [[bishop]]s of Rome, hold the [[keys of the kingdom]] of heaven.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/event/Synod-of-Whitby|title=Synod of Whitby &#124; English Church history|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]}}</ref>

By the [[late Middle Ages]], [[Catholicism]] was an essential part of English life and culture. The 9,000 [[parish]]es covering all of England were overseen by a hierarchy of [[Deanery|deaneries]], [[archdeaconries]], [[diocese]]s led by bishops, the Primate of All England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and ultimately the pope who presided over the Catholic Church from Rome.{{Sfn|Marshall|2017a|p=11}} Catholicism taught that the [[contrite]] person could cooperate with [[God in Christianity|God]] towards their [[Salvation in Christianity|salvation]] by performing [[Merit (Christianity)|good works]] (see [[synergism]]).{{sfn|MacCulloch|1996|p=210}} God's [[Grace in Christianity|grace]] was given through the [[Sacraments of the Catholic Church|seven sacraments]].{{Sfn|Marshall|2017a|p=7}} In the [[Mass in the Catholic Church|Mass]], a [[Priesthood in the Catholic Church|priest]] consecrated bread and wine to become the [[Body of Christ|body]] and [[blood of Christ]] through [[transubstantiation]]. The church taught that, in the name of the congregation, the priest offered to God the same [[Crucifixion of Jesus|sacrifice of Christ on the cross]] that provided [[Atonement in Christianity|atonement]] for the [[Christian views on sin|sins]] of humanity.{{Sfn|Marshall|2017a|pp=8–9}}{{sfn|Hefling|2021|pp=97–98}} The Mass was also an offering of prayer by which the living could help [[soul]]s in [[purgatory]].<ref>{{cite book | last = MacCulloch | first = Diarmaid | title = The Later Reformation in England, 1547–1603 | publisher = Palgrave | series = British History in Perspective | edition = 2nd | year = 2001 | isbn = 9780333921395 | url = https://archive.org/details/laterreformation00macc | pages = 1–2}}</ref> While [[Sacrament of Penance|penance]] removed the guilt attached to sin, Catholicism taught that a penalty still remained. It was believed that most people would end their lives with these penalties unsatisfied and would have to spend time in purgatory. Time in purgatory could be lessened through [[indulgence]]s and [[prayers for the dead]], which were made possible by the [[communion of saints]].{{Sfn|Marshall|2017a|pp=16–17}}

===Reformation===
{{Main|English Reformation}}

In 1527, [[Henry&nbsp;VIII]] was desperate for a male heir and asked [[Pope Clement VII]] to annul his marriage to [[Catherine of Aragon]]. When the pope refused, Henry used [[Parliament of England|Parliament]] to assert royal authority over the English church. In 1533, Parliament passed the [[Statute in Restraint of Appeals|Act in Restraint of Appeals]], barring legal cases from being appealed outside England. This allowed the Archbishop of Canterbury to annul the marriage without reference to Rome. In November 1534, the [[Act of Supremacy 1534|Act of Supremacy]] formally abolished papal authority and declared Henry [[Supreme Head of the Church of England]].{{Sfn|Shagan|2017|pp=29–31}}

Henry's religious beliefs remained aligned to traditional Catholicism throughout his reign, albeit with reformist aspects in the tradition of [[Erasmus]] and firm commitment to royal supremacy. In order to secure royal supremacy over the church, however, Henry allied himself with Protestants, who until that time had been treated as [[heretics]].{{Sfn|Shagan|2017|p=32}} The main doctrine of the [[Protestant Reformation]] was [[sola fide|justification by faith alone]] rather than by good works.{{Sfn|Hefling|2021|p=96}} The logical outcome of this belief is that the Mass, sacraments, charitable acts, [[Prayer to saints|prayers to saints]], prayers for the dead, pilgrimage, and the [[veneration of relics]] do not mediate divine favour. To believe they can, would be [[superstition]] at best and [[idolatry]] at worst.{{Sfn|Hefling|2021|p=97}}{{Sfn|Marshall|2017a|p=126}}

Between 1536 and 1540, Henry engaged in the [[dissolution of the monasteries]], which controlled much of the richest land. He disbanded religious houses, appropriated their income, disposed of their assets, and provided pensions for the former residents. The properties were sold to pay for the wars. Historian [[George W. Bernard]] argues:
{{Blockquote|The dissolution of the monasteries in the late 1530s was one of the most revolutionary events in English history. There were nearly 900 religious houses in England, around 260 for monks, 300 for regular canons, 142 nunneries and 183 friaries; some 12,000 people in total, 4,000 monks, 3,000 canons, 3,000 friars and 2,000 nuns....one adult man in fifty was in religious orders.<ref>G. W. Bernard, "The Dissolution of the Monasteries", ''History'' (2011) 96#324 p. 390.</ref>}}

[[File:Thomas Cranmer by Gerlach Flicke.jpg|right|thumb|Thomas Cranmer, a [[Protestant Reformers|Reformer]], was the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury and principal compiler of the ''[[Book of Common Prayer]]'', ''[[Thirty-nine Articles]]'', and ''[[The Books of Homilies|Books of Homilies]]''.]]

In the reign of [[Edward&nbsp;VI]] (1547–1553), the Church of England underwent an extensive theological reformation. Justification by faith was made a central teaching.{{Sfn| Marshall | 2017a | p = 308}} Government-sanctioned [[iconoclasm]] led to the destruction of images and relics. Stained glass, shrines, statues, and [[rood]]s were defaced or destroyed. Church walls were [[whitewash]]ed and covered with biblical texts condemning idolatry.<ref>{{cite book | last = Duffy | first = Eamon | title = The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, {{circa|1400|lk=no}} – {{circa|1580|lk=no}} | publisher = Yale University Press | edition = 2nd | year = 2005 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=K48k6JIcPrUC | isbn = 978-0-300-10828-6 | pages = 450–454 and 458}}</ref> The most significant reform in Edward's reign was the adoption of an English liturgy to replace the old Latin rites.{{Sfn|Shagan|2017|pp=41}} Written by the [[Protestant Reformers|Protestant Reformer]] Archbishop [[Thomas Cranmer]], the [[1549 Book of Common Prayer|1549 ''Book of Common Prayer'']] implicitly taught justification by faith,<ref>{{cite book | last = Jeanes | first = Gordon | chapter =  Cranmer and Common Prayer | year = 2006 | title = [[The Oxford Guide to the Book of Common Prayer: A Worldwide Survey]] | editor-last1 = Hefling | editor-first1 = Charles | editor-last2 = Shattuck | editor-first2 = Cynthia | page = 30 | publisher = Oxford University Press | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ezVH2h6PKUcC | isbn= 978-0-19-529756-0 }}</ref> and rejected the Catholic doctrines of transubstantiation and the sacrifice of the Mass.{{Sfn|MacCulloch |1996 | pp = 412, 414}} This was followed by a greatly revised [[1552 Book of Common Prayer|1552 ''Book of Common Prayer'']], which propounded a [[Calvinism|Reformed]] view of the Lord's Supper (cf. ''[[Lord's Supper in Reformed theology]]'').<ref name="Strout2024">{{cite book |last1=Strout |first1=Shawn O. |title=Of Thine Own Have We Given Thee: A Liturgical Theology of the Offertory in Anglicanism |date=29 February 2024 |publisher=James Clarke & Company |isbn=978-0-227-17995-6 |pages=35–36 |language=English}}</ref> Along with ''The Book of Common Prayer'', ''[[Thirty-nine Articles|The Thirty-nine Articles]]'' and ''[[The Books of Homilies]]'', assembled through the efforts of the Reformer [[Thomas Cranmer]], became the basis of Anglican doctrine after the English Reformation.<ref name="Samuel2020"/>

During the reign of [[Mary I of England|Mary&nbsp;I]] (1553–1558), England was briefly reunited with the Catholic Church. Mary died childless, so it was left to the new regime of her half-sister [[Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;I]] to resolve the direction of the Church. The [[Elizabethan Religious Settlement]] returned the Church to where it stood in 1553 before Edward's death. The [[Act of Supremacy 1558|Act of Supremacy]] made the monarch the Church's [[Supreme Governor of the Church of England]]. The [[Act of Uniformity 1558|Act of Uniformity]] restored a slightly altered 1552 ''Book of Common Prayer''. In 1571, the [[Thirty-nine Articles]] received parliamentary approval as a doctrinal statement for the Church. The settlement ensured the Church of England was Protestant, but it was unclear what kind of Protestantism was being adopted.{{Sfn|Marshall|2017b|pp=49–51}} Anglicanism was said to be a ''[[via media]]'' between two forms of Protestantism, [[Lutheranism]] and [[Calvinism|Reformed Christianity]], though more aligned with the latter than the former.<ref name="HSEC2003"/> The prayer book's Reformed [[eucharistic theology]] posited a [[Lord's Supper in Reformed theology|real spiritual presence]] (pneumatic presence), since Article 28 of the Thirty-nine Articles taught that the body of Christ was eaten "only after an heavenly and spiritual manner".{{Sfn|Marshall|2017b|pp=50–51}}<ref name="Strout2024"/> Nevertheless, there was enough ambiguity to allow later theologians to articulate various versions of [[Anglican eucharistic theology]].{{Sfn|Marshall|2017b|p=51}}

The Church of England was the [[established church]] (constitutionally established by the state with the head of state as its supreme governor). The exact nature of the relationship between church and state would be developed over the next century.<ref name="Eberle">{{cite book|last=Eberle|first=Edward J.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oYkzkVc_sG0C&q=%22church%20of%20england%22%20official%20state%20religion&pg=PA2|title=Church and State in Western Society|publisher=[[Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.]]|year=2011|isbn=978-1-4094-0792-8|page=2|quote=The Church of England later became the official state Protestant church, with the monarch supervising church functions.|access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Fox">{{cite book|last=Fox|first=Jonathan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rE0NcgxNaKEC&q=%22church%20of%20england%22%20official%20state%20religion&pg=PA120|title=A World Survey of Religion and the State|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2008|isbn=978-0-521-88131-9|page=120|quote=The Church of England (Anglican) and the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) are the official religions of the UK.|access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Ferrante">{{cite book|last=Ferrante|first=Joan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AwnIIXI6y38C&q=%22church+of+england%22+official+state+religion&pg=PA408|title=Sociology: A Global Perspective|publisher=[[Cengage Learning]]|year=2010|isbn=978-0-8400-3204-1|page=408|quote=the Church of England [Anglican], which remains the official state church|access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> Notably, the [[Act of Settlement 1701]], which remains in force today, stipulates that the monarch (who serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England) be a Protestant, maintain the Protestant succession, and "join in communion with the Church of England as by law established."<ref name="Doe2024">{{cite book |last1=Doe |first1=Norman |last2=Coleman |first2=Stephen |title=The Legal History of the Church of England: From the Reformation to the Present |date=22 February 2024 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-5099-7317-0 |page=104 |language=en}}</ref> The [[Coronation Oath Act 1688]] (reiterated in the Act of Settlement 1701) requires the rising Sovereign to take an oath to maintain "the true Profession of the Gospel and the Protestant Reformed Religion Established by Law" in the United Kingdom.<ref name="Doe2024"/>

===Stuart period===
{{further|Stuart period}}
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2020}}
Struggle for control of the church persisted throughout the reigns of [[James VI and I|James&nbsp;I]] and his son [[Charles I of England|Charles&nbsp;I]], culminating in the outbreak of the [[First English Civil War]] in 1642. The two opposing factions consisted of [[Puritans]], who sought to "purify" the church and enact more far-reaching Protestant reforms, and those who wanted to retain traditional beliefs and practices. In a period when many believed "true religion" and "good government" were the same thing, religious disputes often included a political element, one example being the struggle over bishops. In addition to their religious function, bishops acted as state censors, able to ban sermons and writings considered objectionable, while lay people could be tried by [[Arches Court|church courts]] for crimes including [[blasphemy]], [[heresy]], [[fornication]] and other 'sins of the flesh', as well as matrimonial or inheritance disputes.{{sfn|Helmholz|2003|p=102}} They also sat in the [[House of Lords]] and often blocked legislation opposed by the Crown; their ousting from Parliament by the [[Clergy Act 1640|1640 Clergy Act]] was a major step on the road to war.{{sfn|Wedgwood|1983|p=31}}

[[File:Canterbury_Cathedral_Choir_(249538223).jpeg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|Major repairs were done to Canterbury Cathedral after the Restoration in 1660.]]

Following [[Cavalier|Royalist]] defeat in 1646, the episcopacy was formally abolished.{{Sfn|King|1968|pp=523–537}} In 1649, the [[Commonwealth of England]] outlawed a number of former practices and [[Presbyterian polity|Presbyterian]] structures replaced the episcopate. The Thirty-nine Articles were replaced by the [[Westminster Confession]]. Worship according to the ''Book of Common Prayer'' was outlawed and replace by the ''[[Directory of Public Worship]]''. Despite this, about one quarter of English clergy refused to conform to this form of state [[presbyterianism]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}} It was also opposed by the other Puritan Nonconformists who rejected the very idea of state-mandated religion, and included the [[Congregational church|Congregationalists]] like [[Oliver Cromwell]], and the [[Baptists]], who were especially well represented in the [[New Model Army]].{{sfn|Spurr|1998|pp=11–12}}

After the [[Stuart Restoration]] in 1660, Parliament restored the Church of England to a form not far removed from the Elizabethan version. Until [[James II of England]] was ousted by the [[Glorious Revolution]] in November 1688, many [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|Nonconformists]] still sought to negotiate terms that would allow them to re-enter the Church.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Miller |first=John |title=James II; A study in kingship |date=1978 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q1hnAAAAMAAJ |publisher=Menthuen |isbn=978-0413652904|pages=172–173}}</ref> In order to secure his political position, [[William III of England]] ended these discussions and the Tudor ideal of encompassing all the people of England in one religious organisation was abandoned. The religious landscape of England assumed its present form, with the Anglican established church occupying the middle ground and Nonconformists continuing their existence outside. One result of the Restoration was the ousting of 2,000 parish ministers who had not been ordained by bishops in the apostolic succession or who had been ordained by ministers in presbyter's orders. Official suspicion and legal restrictions continued well into the 19th century. Roman Catholics, perhaps 5% of the English population (down from 20% in 1600) were grudgingly tolerated, having had little or no official representation after the Pope's excommunication of Queen Elizabeth in 1570, though the Stuarts were sympathetic to them. By the end of 18th century they had dwindled to 1% of the population, mostly amongst upper middle-class gentry, their tenants, and extended families.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}

===Union with the Church of Ireland===
By the Fifth Article of the [[Acts of Union 1800|Union with Ireland 1800]], the Church of England and [[Church of Ireland]] were united into "one Protestant Episcopal church, to be called, the United Church of England and Ireland".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pickering |first1=Danby |title=The Statutes at Large from the Magna Charta, to the End of the Eleventh Parliament of Great Britain, Anno 1761 [continued to 1806]. By Danby Pickering |date=1799 |publisher=J. Bentham |page=653 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R1pRAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA653 |language=en}}</ref> Although "the continuance and preservation of the said united church ... [was] deemed and taken to be an essential and fundamental part of the union",<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rahbarnes.co.uk/Union/ActOfUnion%28Ireland%29.php | title=An Act for the Union of Great Britain and Ireland 1800 – Article Fifth (sic) | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324152426/http://www.rahbarnes.co.uk/Union/ActOfUnion(Ireland).php | archive-date=24 March 2018}}</ref> the [[Irish Church Act 1869]] separated the Irish part of the church again and disestablished it, the Act coming into effect on 1 January 1871.

===Victorian era: 1840s to 1890s===
{{Main|Religion in Victorian England}}

Religion was politically controversial during this era, with Nonconformists pushing for the [[Disestablishmentarianism|disestablishment]] of the Church of England.<ref name="Owen Chadwick2">{{Cite book |last=Chadwick |first=Owen |title=The Victorian church |publisher=A. & C. Black |year=1966 |isbn=978-0334024095 |volume=1 |pages=7–9, 47–48}}</ref> Nonconformists comprised about half of church attendees in England in 1851. They were a clear majority in Wales. Scotland and Ireland had separate religious cultures.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Johnson |first=Dale A. |title=Victorian Britain An Encyclopedia |publisher=Routledge |year=2011 |isbn=9780415669726 |editor-last=Mitchell |editor-first=Sally |pages=546–547 |chapter=Nonconformism}}</ref> and gradually the legal discrimination that had been established against them outside of Scotland was removed.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Machin |first=G. I. T. |year=1979 |title=Resistance to Repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, 1828 |journal=The Historical Journal |volume=22 |issue=1 |pages=115–139 |doi=10.1017/s0018246x00016708 |s2cid=154680968 |issn=0018-246X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Davis |first1=R. W. |year=1966 |title=The Strategy of "Dissent" in the Repeal Campaign, 1820–1828 |journal=The Journal of Modern History |volume=38 |issue=4 |pages=374–393 |doi=10.1086/239951 |jstor=1876681 |s2cid=154716174}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Anderson |first=Olive |author-link=Olive Anderson|year=1974 |title=Gladstone's Abolition of Compulsory Church Rates: a Minor Political Myth and its Historiographical Career |journal=The Journal of Ecclesiastical History |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=185–198 |doi=10.1017/s0022046900045735 |s2cid=159668040 |issn=0022-0469}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bowen |first=Desmond |year=1979 |title=''Conscience of the Victorian State'', edited by Peter Marsh |journal=Canadian Journal of History |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=318–320 |doi=10.3138/cjh.14.2.318 |issn=0008-4107}}</ref> Legal restrictions on [[Roman Catholic]]s were also largely [[Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829|removed]]. The number of Catholics grew in Great Britain due to [[Catholic Church in England and Wales#Converts|conversions]] and [[Catholic Church in England and Wales#Nineteenth century and Irish immigration|immigration from Ireland]].<ref name="Owen Chadwick2" /> Secularism and doubts about the accuracy of the [[Old Testament]] grew among people with higher levels of education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coleridge's Religion |url=https://victorianweb.org/previctorian/stc/religion1.html |access-date=10 August 2022 |website=victorianweb.org |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330103435/https://victorianweb.org/previctorian/stc/religion1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Northern English and Scottish academics tended to be more religiously conservative, whilst agnosticism and even atheism (though its promotion was illegal)<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chadwick |first=Owen |title=The Victorian Church |year=1966 |volume=1: 1829–1859 |pages=487–489}}</ref> gained appeal among academics in the south.<ref name="Lewis-200732">{{Cite book |last=Lewis |first=Christopher |title=Heat and Thermodynamics: A Historical Perspective |publisher=Greenwood Press |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-313-33332-3 |location=United States of America |chapter=Chapter 5: Energy and Entropy: The Birth of Thermodynamics}}</ref> Historians refer to a 'Victorian Crisis of Faith', a period when religious views had to readjust to accommodate new scientific knowledge and criticism of the Bible.<ref>{{cite book |last=Eisen |first=Sydney |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-10974-6_2 |title=Victorian Faith in Crisis: Essays on Continuity and Change in Nineteenth-Century Religious Belief |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK |year=1990 |isbn=9781349109746 |editor-last1=Helmstadter |editor-first1=Richard J. |pages=2–9 |chapter=The Victorian Crisis of Faith and the Faith That was Lost |doi=10.1007/978-1-349-10974-6_2 |editor-last2=Lightman |editor-first2=Bernard |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019085106/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-10974-6_2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The strong [[Evangelicalism|evangelical movement]] inside the Church of England placed great emphasis on a respectable and moral code of behaviour. This included features such as charity, personal responsibility, controlled habits,{{efn|Avoiding addictions such as [[alcoholism]] and excessive [[gambling]]}} [[child discipline]] and self-criticism.<ref>Elie Halevy, ''A History Of The English People In 1815'' (1924) pp. 585–95.</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Young |first=G. M. |title=Victorian England: Portrait of an Age |year=1936 |pages=1–6}}</ref> As well as personal improvement, importance was given to social reform.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Briggs |first=Asa |title=The Age of Improvement 1783–1867 |year=1957 |pages=236–285}}</ref> [[Utilitarianism]] was another philosophy that saw itself as based on science rather than on morality, but also emphasised social progress.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Roach |first=John |date=1957 |title=Liberalism and the Victorian Intelligentsia |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3020631 |journal=The Cambridge Historical Journal |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=58–81 |doi=10.1017/S1474691300000056 |jstor=3020631 |issn=1474-6913 |access-date=2 September 2020 |archive-date=2 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902130752/https://www.jstor.org/stable/3020631/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Young |first=G. M. |title=Victorian England: Portrait of an Age |pages=10–12}}</ref> An alliance formed between these two ideological strands.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Halevy |first=Elie |url= |title=A History Of The English People In 1815 |date=1924 |pages=585–95}}</ref> The reformers emphasised causes such as improving the conditions of women and children, giving police reform priority over harsh punishment to prevent crime, religious equality, and political reform in order to establish a democracy.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Woodward |first=Llewellyn |title=The Age of Reform, 1815–1870 |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1962 |edition=2nd |pages=28, 78–90, 446, 456, 464–465}}</ref> The political legacy of the reform movement was to link the [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|nonconformists]] (part of the evangelical movement outside the Church of England )—especially Methodists—in England and Wales with the [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal Party]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bebbington |first=D. W. |title=The Nonconformist Conscience: Chapel and Politics, 1870–1914 |publisher=George Allen & Unwin, 1982 |year=1982}}</ref> This continued until the [[World War I|First World War]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Glaser |first1=John F. |year=1958 |title=English Nonconformity and the Decline of Liberalism |journal=The American Historical Review |volume=63 |issue=2 |pages=352–363 |doi=10.2307/1849549 |jstor=1849549}}</ref> The [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]] played a similar role as a religious voice for reform in Scotland.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Wykes |first1=David L. |year=2005 |title=Introduction: Parliament and Dissent from the Restoration to the Twentieth Century |journal=Parliamentary History |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=1–26 |doi=10.1111/j.1750-0206.2005.tb00399.x}}</ref>

===Overseas developments===
[[File:John Smith 1624 map of Bermuda with Forts 01.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Captain [[John Smith of Jamestown|John Smith's]] 1624 map of Bermuda, showing St Peter's at centre, left|alt=]]
{{main|Anglican Communion}}

{{further|Historical development of Church of England dioceses#Colonial dioceses}}
As the English Empire (after the 1707 [[Acts of Union 1707|union]] of the [[Kingdom of England]] with the [[Kingdom of Scotland]] to form the [[Kingdom of Great Britain]], the [[British Empire]]) expanded, English (after 1707, ''British'') colonists and colonial administrators took the established church doctrines and practices together with ordained ministry and formed overseas branches of the Church of England.

The [[Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island|Diocese of Nova Scotia]] was created on 11 August 1787 by [[Letters Patent]] of [[George III of the United Kingdom|George III]] which "erected the Province of [[Nova Scotia]] into a bishop's see" and these also named [[Charles Inglis (bishop)|Charles Inglis]] as first bishop of the see.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=12910|page=373|date=7 August 1787}}</ref> The diocese was the first Church of England see created outside England and Wales (i.e. the first colonial diocese). At this point, the see covered present-day New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.<ref>[http://www.nspeidiocese.ca/page/history.aspx Diocesan site – History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616015609/http://www.nspeidiocese.ca/page/history.aspx |date=16 June 2014 }} (accessed 31 December 2012)</ref> From 1825 to 1839, it included the [[Anglican Church of Bermuda|nine parishes]] of [[Bermuda]], subsequently transferred to the [[Diocese of Newfoundland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/society/anglicanism.php |title=The Church of England |last=Piper |first=Liza |date=2000 |website=Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador |publisher=Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site |access-date=2021-08-17 |quote=}}</ref>

As they developed, beginning with the United States of America, or became sovereign or independent states, many of their churches became separate organisationally, but remained linked to the Church of England through the [[Anglican Communion]]. In the provinces that made up Canada, the church operated as the "Church of England in Canada" until 1955 when it became the [[Anglican Church of Canada]].<ref name="x25">{{cite book|author=Miranda Threlfall-Holmes|title=The Essential History of Christianity|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hGipAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT133|year=2012|publisher=SPCK|pages=133–134|isbn=9780281066438}}</ref>

In Bermuda, the oldest remaining British overseas possession, the first Church of England services were performed by the Reverend Richard Buck, one of the survivors of the 1609 wreck of the ''[[Sea Venture]]'' which initiated Bermuda's permanent settlement. The nine parishes of the Church of England in [[Bermuda]], each with its own church and [[Glebe|glebe land]], rarely had more than a pair of ordained ministers to share between them until the 19th century. From 1825 to 1839, Bermuda's parishes were attached to the [[Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island|See of Nova Scotia]]. Bermuda was then grouped into the new Diocese of Newfoundland and Bermuda from 1839. In 1879, the Synod of the Church of England in Bermuda was formed. At the same time, a Diocese of Bermuda became separate from the [[Diocese of Newfoundland]], but both continued to be grouped under the ''Bishop of Newfoundland and Bermuda'' until 1919, when Newfoundland and Bermuda each received its own bishop.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} The Church of England in Bermuda was renamed in 1978 as the [[Anglican Church of Bermuda]], which is an [[Extra-provincial Anglican churches|extra-provincial diocese]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/tour/index.cfm|title=Member Churches|work=anglicancommunion.org}}</ref> with both [[Metropolitan bishop|metropolitan]] and [[Primate (bishop)|primatial]] authority coming directly from the Archbishop of Canterbury. Among its parish churches is [[St. Peter's Church, St. George's|St Peter's Church]] in the [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] of [[St. George's, Bermuda|St George's Town]], which is the oldest Anglican church outside of the British Isles, and the oldest Protestant church in the New World.<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to St Peter's Church in St. George's, Bermuda |url=https://www.stpeters.bm/ |website=St Peter's |access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref>

The [[Church of India, Burma and Ceylon]] was established in [[Colonial India]], with its first diocese being erected in 1813, the [[Diocese of Calcutta of the Church of North India|Diocese of Calcutta]]. Indian bishops were present at the first [[Lambeth Conference]].<ref name="Tovey2017">{{cite book|last=Tovey|first=Phillip|title=Anglican Baptismal Liturgies|date=30 August 2017|publisher=Canterbury Press|language=English |isbn=9781786220202|page=234}}</ref>

The first Anglican missionaries arrived in Nigeria in 1842 and the first Anglican Nigerian was consecrated a bishop in 1864. However, the arrival of a rival group of Anglican missionaries in 1887 led to infighting that slowed the Church's growth. In this large African colony, by 1900 there were only 35,000 Anglicans, about 0.2% of the population. However, by the late 20th century the [[Church of Nigeria]] was the fastest growing of all Anglican churches, reaching about 18 per cent of the local population by 2000.<ref name="x25"/>

The church established its presence in Hong Kong and Macau in 1843. In 1951, the [[Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui|Diocese of Hong Kong and Macao]] became an extra-provincial diocese, and in 1998 it became a province of the Anglican Communion, under the name [[Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui]].

From 1796 to 1818 the Church began operating in [[Sri Lanka]] (formerly [[Ceylon]]), following the 1796 start of British colonisation, when the first services were held for the British civil and military personnel. In 1799, the first Colonial Chaplain was appointed, following which CMS and SPG missionaries began their work, in 1818 and 1844 respectively. Subsequently, the [[Church of Ceylon]] was established: in 1845 the diocese of Colombo was inaugurated, with the appointment of [[James Chapman (Bishop of Colombo)|James Chapman]] as Bishop of Colombo. It served as an extra-provincial jurisdiction of the [[archbishop of Canterbury]], who served as its [[Metropolitan bishop|metropolitan]].

===Early 21st century===

====Deposition from holy orders overturned====

Under the guidance of [[Rowan Williams]] and with significant pressure from clergy union representatives, the ecclesiastical penalty for convicted felons to be defrocked was set aside from the [[List of Church of England measures|Clergy Discipline Measure 2003]]. The clergy union argued that the penalty was unfair to victims of hypothetical miscarriages of criminal justice, because the ecclesiastical penalty is considered irreversible. Although clerics can still be banned for life from ministry, they remain ordained as priests.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bingham |first=John |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11735289/Church-of-England-could-return-to-defrocking-rogue-priests-after-child-abuse-scandals.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11735289/Church-of-England-could-return-to-defrocking-rogue-priests-after-child-abuse-scandals.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Church of England could return to defrocking rogue priests after child abuse scandals |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=13 July 2015 |access-date=4 February 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

====Continued decline in attendance and church response====
[[File:Holy trinity front 8809.jpg|thumb|One of the now "redundant" buildings, [[Holy Trinity Church, Wensley]], in North Yorkshire; much of the current structure was built in the 14th and 15th centuries.]]

Bishop [[Sarah Mullally]] has insisted that declining numbers at services should not necessarily be a cause of despair for churches, because people may still encounter God without [[church attendance|attending a service]] in a church; for example hearing the Christian message through social media sites or in a café run as a community project.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-09 |title=Empty pews not the end of the world, says Church of England's newest bishop |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11663692/Empty-pews-not-the-end-of-the-world-says-Church-of-Englands-newest-bishop.html |first1=John |last1=Bingham |website=The Telegraph |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231223084828/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11663692/Empty-pews-not-the-end-of-the-world-says-Church-of-Englands-newest-bishop.html |archive-date= Dec 23, 2023 }}</ref> The Church of England estimates that 35 – 50 million people visit its churches as tourists annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Churches |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/about/our-churches#:~:text=We%20have%20over%2016,000%20church,are%20listed%20by%20Historic%20England&text=We%20estimate%20that%2035%20to,open%20and%20welcoming%20to%20all. |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=The Church of England |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-24 |title=Britain's 15 finest village churches |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/britain-15-finest-village-churches-130000013.html |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Yahoo Life |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, 9.7&nbsp;million people visit at least one of its churches every year and 1&nbsp;million students are educated at Church of England schools (which number 4,700).<ref>{{cite web|title=Facts and Stats of The Church of England|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/facts-stats.aspx |publisher=Church of England|access-date=8 April 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408084146/https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/facts-stats.aspx |archive-date= 8 April 2016 }}</ref> In 2019, an estimated 10 million people visited a cathedral and an additional "1.3 million people visited Westminster Abbey, where 99% of visitors paid / donated for entry".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Key areas of research|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/about/research-and-statistics/key-areas-research|access-date=26 October 2021|website=The Church of England|language=en}}</ref> In 2022, the church reported than an estimated 5.7 million people visited a cathedral and 6.8 million visited Westminster Abbey.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff writer |date=2023-04-13 |title=Cathedral visitor numbers rebound after pandemic |url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/cathedral-visitor-numbers-rebound-after-pandemic/140073.htm |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=www.christiantoday.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2024, 9.87 million people visited a cathedral, up from 9.7 million in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Owens |first=Elizabeth |date=2025-08-31 |title=England's Cathedrals See Post-Pandemic Revival in Visitors, but Worship Attendance Tells a More Complex Story |url=https://zenit.org/2025/08/30/englands-cathedrals-see-post-pandemic-revival-in-visitors-but-worship-attendance-tells-a-more-complex-story/ |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=ZENIT - English |language=es}}</ref> Nevertheless, the archbishops of [[Justin Welby|Canterbury]] and [[John Sentamu|York]] warned in January 2015 that the Church of England would no longer be able to carry on in its current form unless the downward spiral in membership were somehow to be reversed, as typical Sunday attendance had halved to 800,000 in the previous 40 years:<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11340590/Church-of-England-cannot-carry-on-as-it-is-unless-decline-urgently-reversed-Welby-and-Sentamu.html "Church of England cannot carry on as it is unless decline 'urgently' reversed – Welby and Sentamu"], ''The Daily Telegraph'', 12 January 2015.</ref>
{{blockquote|The urgency of the challenge facing us is not in doubt. Attendance at Church of England services has declined at an average of one per cent per annum over recent decades and, in addition, the age profile of our membership has become significantly older than that of the population... Renewing and reforming aspects of our institutional life is a necessary but far from sufficient response to the challenges facing the Church of England. ... The age profile of our clergy has also been increasing. Around 40 per cent of parish clergy are due to retire over the next decade or so.}}

Between 1969 and 2010, almost 1,800 church buildings, roughly 11% of the stock, were closed (so-called "[[redundant churches]]"); the majority (70%) in the first half of the period; only 514 being closed between 1990 and 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchcommissioners/pastoralandclosedchurches/closedchurches/ |title=Closed Churches Division |access-date=30 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229125945/http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchcommissioners/pastoralandclosedchurches/closedchurches/ |archive-date=29 December 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Some active use was being made of about half of the closed churches.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/hrba/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/churches-and-closure-in-cofe-mar-2010.pdf |title=Churches and Closure in the Church of England: A Summary Report |access-date=30 June 2018 |archive-date=21 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621141527/http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/hrba/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/churches-and-closure-in-cofe-mar-2010.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> By 2019 the rate of closure had steadied at around 20 to 25 per year (0.2%); some being replaced by new places of worship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/more/parish-reorganisation-and-closed-church-buildings/closed-churches|title=Closed churches|website=The Church of England}}</ref> Additionally, in 2018 the church announced a £27&nbsp;million growth programme to create 100 new churches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2018/07/church-of-england-announces-100-new-churches-in-27-million-pound-growth-programme.aspx|title=Church of England announces 100 new churches in £27 million growth programme|website=www.anglicannews.org}}</ref>

====Low salaries====
In 2015 the Church of England admitted that it was embarrassed to be paying staff under the living wage. The Church of England had previously campaigned for all employers to pay this minimum amount. The archbishop of Canterbury acknowledged it was not the only area where the church "fell short of its standards".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31591075|title=Church of England: Justin Welby says low pay 'embarrassing'|work=BBC News}}</ref>

=== Impact of COVID-19 pandemic ===
The [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]] had a sizeable effect on church attendance, with attendance in 2020 and 2021 well below that of 2019. By 2022, the first full year without substantial restrictions related to the pandemic, numbers were still notably down on pre-pandemic participation. According to the 2022 release of "Statistics for Mission" by the church, the median size of each church's worshipping community (those who attend in person or online at least once a month) stood at 37 people, with average weekly attendance having declined from 34 to 25; while Easter and Christmas services had seen falls from 51 to 38 and 80 to 56 individuals respectively.<ref name=":5" /> The reports for 2023 and 2024 showed a mixed picture: compared to pre-pandemic trends, the Church's average weekly attendance was 8% below and 4% below what was expected, respectively. The numbers attending particular services such as baptisms (up 20% and 29%) and marriages (up 24% and 42%) had increased compared to the projected pre-pandemic trend but this was attributed to pandemic-related postponements rather than a natural increase.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Statistics for Mission 2023 |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2024-12/statisticsformission2023.pdf |access-date=5 December 2024 |website=Church of England}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Eames |first=Ken |date=2025-11-02 |title=Statistics for Mission 2024 |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/statisticsformission2024.pdf |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=www.churchofengland.org}}</ref>

Examples of wider declines across the whole church include:<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Statistics for Missions 2022 |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/statisticsformission2022.pdf |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=Church of England}}</ref><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":9" />
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Estimated change, 2019 to 2020
!Estimated change, 2019 to 2021 
!Estimated change, 2019 to 2022
!Estimated change, 2019 to 2023
!Estimated change, 2019 to 2024
|-
|Worshipping community
| −7%
| −13%
| −12%
| -10%
| -9.4%
|-
|All-age average weekly attendance (October)
| −60%
| −29%
| −23%
| -20%
| -19%
|-
|All-age average Sunday attendance (October)
| −53%
| −28%
| −23%
| -20%
| -19%
|-
|Easter attendance
|N/A
| −56%
| −27%
| -20%
| -19%
|-
|Christmas attendance
| −79%
| −58%
| −30%
| -16%
| -20%
|}

==Doctrine and practice==
{{See also|Anglicanism|Anglican doctrine}}
[[File:Hooker-Statue.jpeg|thumb|right|[[Richard Hooker (theologian)|Richard Hooker]] (1554–1600), one of the most influential figures in shaping Anglican theology and self-identity]]
[[File:Canterbury_Cathedral_-_Back_01.jpg|right|thumb|[[Canterbury Cathedral]] houses the ''[[cathedra]]'' or episcopal chair of the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], and is the cathedral of the [[Diocese of Canterbury]] and the [[mother church]] of the Church of England as well as a focus for the [[Anglican Communion]].]]
[[Thomas Cranmer]], the guiding [[Protestant Reformer]] who shaped Anglican doctrine after the English Reformation, was instrumental in the compilation of the ''[[Thirty-nine Articles|Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion]]'', ''[[Book of Common Prayer]]'' and ''[[Books of Homilies]]''.<ref name="Samuel2020"/><ref name="Jensen2015">{{cite web |last1=Jensen |first1=Michael P. |author-link=Michael Jensen (theologian)|title=9 Things You Should Really Know About Anglicanism |url=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/nine-things-you-should-really-know-about-anglicanism/ |publisher=[[The Gospel Coalition]] |access-date=3 February 2020 |language=en |date=7 January 2015|quote=The theology of the founding documents of the Anglican church—the Book of Homilies, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion—expresses a theology in keeping with the Reformed theology of the Swiss and South German Reformation. It is neither Lutheran, nor simply Calvinist, though it resonates with many of Calvin’s thoughts.}}</ref> The [[canon law]] of the Church of England identifies the [[Bible|Christian scriptures]] as the source of its doctrine. In addition, doctrine is also derived from the teachings of the [[Church Fathers]] and [[ecumenical councils]] (as well as the [[ecumenical creeds]]) in so far as these agree with scripture. This doctrine is expressed in the ''Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion'', the ''Book of Common Prayer'', and the Ordinal containing the rites for the ordination of [[deacon#Anglicanism|deacons]], [[Anglican priest|priests]], and the consecration of bishops.<ref name="CanonA5">Canon A5. [http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/canons/church.pdf Canons of the Church of England] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325141800/http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/canons/church.pdf |date=25 March 2009}}.</ref> [[Richard Hooker]]'s appeal to scripture as the primary source of Christian doctrine, informed by [[Christian tradition|church tradition]], and [[reason]], has been influential in hermeneutics.{{sfn|Shepherd, Jr.|Martin|2005|pp=349–350}}

The Church of England's doctrinal character today is largely the result of the Elizabethan Settlement. The historical development of Anglicanism saw itself as navigating a ''[[via media]]'' between two forms of Protestantism—[[Lutheranism]] and [[Calvinism|Reformed Christianity]]—though leaning closer to the latter than the former.<ref name="HSEC2003"/><ref name="Robinson2012">{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Peter |title=The Reformed Face of Anglicanism |url=http://theoldhighchurchman.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-reformed-face-of-anglicanism.html |publisher=The Old High Churchman |access-date=3 February 2020 |language=en |date=2 August 2012|quote=Cranmer's personal journey of faith left its mark on the Church of England in the form of a Liturgy that remains to this day more closely allied to Lutheran practice, but that liturgy is couple to a doctrinal stance that is broadly, but decidedly Reformed. ... The 42 Articles of 1552 and the 39 Articles of 1563, both commit the Church of England to the fundamentals of the Reformed Faith. Both sets of Articles affirm the centrality of Scripture, and take a monergist position on Justification. Both sets of Articles affirm that the Church of England accepts the doctrine of predestination and election as a 'comfort to the faithful' but warn against over much speculation concerning that doctrine. Indeed a casual reading of the Wurttemburg Confession of 1551, the Second Helvetic Confession, the Scots Confession of 1560, and the XXXIX Articles of Religion reveal them to be cut from the same bolt of cloth.}}</ref> The Church of England affirms the protestant reformation principle that scripture contains all things necessary to salvation and is the final arbiter in doctrinal matters. The Thirty-nine Articles are the church's only official confessional statement. The Church of England did retain [[Anglican ministry|three orders of ministry]] and the [[apostolic succession]] of bishops, as with the Scandinavian Lutheran Churches (such as the [[Church of Sweden]]) and Roman Catholicism. Its identity has thus been described as [[Reformed Christianity|Reformed]] and [[Catholic (term)|Catholic]].<ref name="HSEC2003"/> There are differences of opinion within the Church of England over the necessity of episcopacy. Some consider it essential, while others feel it is needed for the proper ordering of the church.{{sfn|Shepherd, Jr.|Martin|2005|pp=349–350}} The Bible, the Creeds, Apostolic Order, and the administration of the Sacraments are sufficient to establish catholicity. The Protestant Reformation in England was initially much concerned about doctrine but the Elizabethan Settlement tried to put a stop to doctrinal contentions. The proponents of further changes, nonetheless, tried to get their way by making changes in Church Order (abolition of bishops), governance (Canon Law) and liturgy. They did not succeed because the monarchy and the Church resisted and the majority of the population were indifferent. Moreover, "despite all the assumptions of the Reformation founders of that Church, it had retained a catholic character." The existence of cathedrals "without substantial alteration" and "where the "old devotional world cast its longest shadow for the future of the ethos that would become Anglicanism,"{{sfn|MacCulloch|1990|p=79}} This is "One of the great mysteries of the English Reformation,"{{sfn|MacCulloch|1990|p=79}} that there was no complete break with the past but a muddle that was per force turned into a virtue.{{sfn|MacCulloch|1990|p=142}}

The Church of England has, as one of its distinguishing marks, a breadth of opinion from [[liberal Christianity|liberal]] to conservative clergy and members.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Andrew|date=13 July 2014|title=Liberalism increases as power shifts to the laity in the Church of England|language=en-GB|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/13/church-of-england-power-shifts-laity-liberalism|access-date=1 May 2016|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> This tolerance has allowed Anglicans who emphasise the catholic tradition and others who emphasise the reformed tradition to coexist. The [[Churchmanship|three schools of thought]] (or parties) in the Church of England are sometimes called [[high church]] (or [[Anglo-Catholic]]), [[low church]] (or [[evangelical Anglican]]) and [[broad church]] (or [[Liberal Christianity|liberal]]). The high church party places importance on the Church of England's continuity with the pre-Reformation Catholic Church, adherence to ancient liturgical usages and the sacerdotal nature of the priesthood. As their name suggests, Anglo-Catholics maintain many traditional catholic practices and liturgical forms.<ref name="HighChurch">"High Church", ''New Catholic Encyclopedia'', 2nd ed., vol. 6 (Detroit: Gale, 2003), pp. 823–824.</ref> The Catholic tradition, strengthened and reshaped from the 1830s by the Oxford movement, has stressed the importance of the visible Church and its sacraments and the belief that the ministry of bishops, priests and deacons is a sign and instrument of the Church of England's Catholic and apostolic identity.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/media-centre/history-church-england|title=History of the Church of England|website=The Church of England|access-date=17 December 2021|archive-date=16 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416023707/https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/media-centre/history-church-england|url-status=dead}}</ref> The low church party is more Protestant in both ceremony and theology.<ref name="LowChurch">"Low Church", ''New Catholic Encyclopedia'', 2nd ed., vol. 8 (Detroit: Gale, 2003), p. 836.</ref> It has emphasized the significance of the Protestant aspects of the Church of England's identity, stressing the importance of the authority of Scripture, preaching, justification by faith and personal conversion.<ref name=":1" /> The theological perspectives within the Church of England have included the [[Reformed Anglican]] perspective, as well as a minority [[Anglican Arminianism|Arminian Anglican]] view.<ref name="The Gospel Coalition"/> Historically, the term 'broad church' has been used to describe those of middle-of-the-road ceremonial preferences who lean theologically towards liberal Protestantism.<ref name="BroadChurch">E. McDermott, "Broad Church", ''New Catholic Encyclopedia'', 2nd ed., vol. 2 (Detroit: Gale, 2003), pp. 624–625.</ref> The liberal broad church tradition has emphasized the importance of the use of reason in theological exploration. It has stressed the need to develop Christian belief and practice in order to respond creatively to wider advances in human knowledge and understanding and the importance of social and political action in forwarding God's kingdom.<ref name=":1" /> The balance between these strands of churchmanship is not static: in 2013, 40% of Church of England worshippers attended [[Evangelical Anglicanism|evangelical Anglican]] churches (compared with 26% in 1989), and 83% of very large congregations were evangelical. Such churches were also reported to attract higher numbers of men and young adults than others.<ref>'New Directions', May 2013</ref>

===Worship and liturgy===
[[File:Rochester cathedral stained glass 2.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.8|Stained glass window in [[Rochester Cathedral]], Kent]]

In 1604, [[James VI and I|James&nbsp;I]] ordered an English language translation of the Bible known as the [[King James Version]], which was published in 1611 and authorised for use in parishes, although it was not an "official" version per se.{{Sfn|Cowart |Knappen|2007|p=?}} The Church of England's official book of liturgy as established in English Law is the [[Book of Common Prayer (1662)|1662 version of the ''Book of Common Prayer'']] (BCP). In the year 2000, the General Synod approved a modern [[liturgical book]], ''[[Common Worship]]'', which can be used as an alternative to the BCP. Like its predecessor, the 1980 ''[[Alternative Service Book]]'', it differs from the ''Book of Common Prayer'' in providing a range of alternative services, mostly in modern language, although it does include some BCP-based forms as well, for example Order Two for Holy Communion. (This is a revision of the BCP service, altering some words and allowing the insertion of some other liturgical texts such as the ''[[Agnus Dei (liturgy)|Agnus Dei]]'' before communion.) The Order One rite follows the pattern of more modern liturgical scholarship.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The liturgies are organised according to the traditional [[liturgical year]] and the [[Calendar of saints (Church of England)|calendar of saints]]. The [[Anglican sacraments|sacraments]] of [[baptism]] and the [[eucharist]] are generally thought necessary to salvation. [[Infant baptism]] is practised. At a later age, individuals baptised as infants receive [[confirmation]] by a bishop, at which time they reaffirm the baptismal promises made by their parents or sponsors. The eucharist, consecrated by a thanksgiving prayer including Christ's [[Words of Institution]], is believed to be "a memorial of Christ's once-for-all redemptive acts in which Christ is objectively present and effectually received in faith".{{sfn|Shepherd, Jr.|Martin|2005|p=350}}

The use of hymns and [[Anglican church music|music in the Church of England]] has changed dramatically over the centuries. Traditional [[Evening Prayer (Anglican)|Choral evensong]] is a staple of most cathedrals. The style of [[psalm]] chanting harks back to the Church of England's pre-reformation roots. During the 18th century, clergy such as [[Charles Wesley]] introduced their own styles of worship with poetic hymns.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BBC – Religions – Christianity: Charles Wesley|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/people/charleswesley_1.shtml|access-date=27 January 2021|website=BBC|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In the latter half of the 20th century, the influence of the [[Charismatic Movement]] significantly altered the worship traditions of numerous Church of England parishes, primarily affecting those of [[evangelical]] persuasion. These churches now adopt a [[contemporary worship]] form of service, with minimal liturgical or ritual elements, and incorporating [[contemporary worship music]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Charismatic Invasion of Anglicanism? {{!}} Dale M. Coulter |url=https://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2014/01/neither-an-invasion-nor-surprising-lambeth-palace-chemin-neuf-and-anglican-charismatics |access-date=20 December 2022 |website=First Things |date=7 January 2014 |language=en}}</ref>

Just as the Church of England has a large conservative or "traditionalist" wing, it also has many [[Liberal Christianity|liberal]] members and clergy. Approximately one third of clergy "doubt or disbelieve in the physical resurrection".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1403106/One-third-of-clergy-do-not-believe-in-the-Resurrection.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1403106/One-third-of-clergy-do-not-believe-in-the-Resurrection.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=One third of clergy do not believe in the Resurrection|last=Petre|first=Jonathan|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=1 May 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Others, such as [[Giles Fraser]], a contributor to ''The Guardian'', have argued for an allegorical interpretation of the [[virgin birth of Jesus]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/24/story-virgin-birth-christianity-mary-sex-femininity|title=The story of the virgin birth runs against the grain of Christianity|date=24 December 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=1 May 2016}}</ref> ''The Independent'' reported in 2014 that, according to a YouGov survey of Church of England clergy, "as many as 16 per cent are unclear about God and two per cent think it is no more than a human construct."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/survey-finds-2-of-anglican-priests-are-not-believers-9821899.html|title=Survey finds 2 per cent of Anglican priests are not believers|date=27 October 2014|website=The Independent|language=en-GB|access-date=1 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/5f5s31fk47/Results-for-Anglican-Clergy-Survey-08092014.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223094747/http://cdn.yougov.com/cumulus_uploads/document/5f5s31fk47/Results-for-Anglican-Clergy-Survey-08092014.pdf |archive-date=23 February 2015 |url-status=live|title=YouGov / University of Lancaster and Westminster Faith Debates|date=23 October 2014|website=YouGov|language=en-GB|access-date=2 May 2016}}</ref> Moreover, many congregations are seeker-friendly environments. For example, one report from the [[Church Mission Society]] suggested that the church open up "a pagan church where Christianity [is] very much in the centre" to reach out to spiritual people.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10133906/Church-of-England-creating-pagan-church-to-recruit-members.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10133906/Church-of-England-creating-pagan-church-to-recruit-members.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Church of England creating 'pagan church' to recruit members|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=1 May 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The Church of England is launching a project on "gendered language" in Spring 2023 in efforts to "study the ways in which God is referred to and addressed in liturgy and worship".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Is God They/Them? Church of England considers gender-neutral pronouns. |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/08/god-gender-neutral-church-of-england/ |access-date=2023-02-13 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

=== Women's ministry ===
Women were appointed as deaconesses from 1861, but they could not function fully as deacons and were not considered ordained clergy. Women have historically been able to serve as [[lay reader]]s. During the First World War, some women were appointed as lay readers, known as "[[bishop's messenger]]s", who also led missions and ran churches in the absence of men. After the war, no women were appointed as lay readers until 1969.<ref>{{Cite news|last=tojsiab|title=Church of England इतिहास देखें अर्थ और सामग्री – hmoob.in|url=https://www.hmoob.in/wiki/CofE|access-date=5 July 2021|website=www.hmoob.in|language=en}}</ref>

Legislation authorising the ordination of women as deacons was passed in 1986 and they were first ordained in 1987. The [[ordination of women]] as priests was approved by the [[General Synod of the Church of England|General Synod]] in 1992 and [[List of the first 32 women ordained as Church of England priests|began in 1994]]. In 2010, for the first time in the history of the Church of England, more women than men were ordained as priests (290 women and 273 men),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9060296/More-new-women-priests-than-men-for-first-time.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9060296/More-new-women-priests-than-men-for-first-time.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=More new women priests than men for first time|work=The Daily Telegraph |date=4 February 2012 |access-date=11 July 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> but in the next two years, ordinations of men again exceeded those of women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/feb/11/how-much-church-of-england-clergy-female|title=How much of the Church of England clergy is female?|first=George|last=Arnett|date=11 February 2014|website=The Guardian}}</ref>

In July 2005, the synod voted to "set in train" the process of allowing the consecration of women as bishops. In February 2006, the synod voted overwhelmingly for the "further exploration" of possible arrangements for parishes that did not want to be directly under the authority of a bishop who is a woman.<ref>[http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_060210women.shtml Church votes overwhelmingly for compromise on women bishops]. ''Ekklesia''.</ref> On 7 July 2008, the synod voted to approve the ordination of women as bishops and rejected moves for alternative episcopal oversight for those who do not accept the ministry of bishops who are women.<ref>{{cite news|title=Church will ordain women bishops|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7494517.stm|work=BBC News|date=7 July 2008|access-date=7 July 2008}}</ref> Actual ordinations of women to the episcopate required further legislation, which was narrowly rejected in a General Synod vote in November 2012.<ref>Pigott, Robert. (14 February 2009) [https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7889946.stm Synod struggles on women bishops]. BBC News.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20415689 "Church of England general synod votes against women bishops"], BBC News, 20 November 2012.</ref> On 20 November 2013, the General Synod voted overwhelmingly in support of a plan to allow the ordination of women as bishops, with 378 in favour, 8 against and 25 abstentions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://descrier.co.uk/uk/2013/11/church-england-synod-votes-overwhelmingly-support-women-bishops/|title=Church of England Synod votes overwhelmingly in support of women bishops|work=The Descrier |date=20 November 2013 |access-date=20 November 2013}}</ref>

On 14 July 2014, the General Synod approved the ordination of women as bishops. The House of Bishops recorded 37 votes in favour, two against with one abstention. The House of Clergy had 162 in favour, 25 against and four abstentions. The House of Laity voted 152 for, 45 against with five abstentions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28298250|title=LIVE: Vote backs women bishops|work=BBC |date=14 July 2014 |access-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> This legislation had to be approved by the Ecclesiastical Committee of the Parliament before it could be finally implemented at the November 2014 synod. In December 2014, [[Libby Lane]] was announced as the first woman to become a bishop in the Church of England. She was consecrated as a bishop in January 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-religion-anglican-women-idUSKBN0KZ0Z820150126|title=After turmoil, Church of England consecrates first woman bishop|work=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924212841/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/26/us-religion-anglican-women-idUSKBN0KZ0Z820150126|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2015, [[Rachel Treweek]] was the first woman to become a diocesan bishop in the Church of England when she became the [[Bishop of Gloucester]].<ref name="anglicannews1">[http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2015/07/first-female-diocesan-bishop-in-c-of-e-consecrated.aspx First female diocesan bishop in C of E consecrated]. Anglicannews.org. Retrieved 23 July 2015.</ref> She and [[Sarah Mullally]], Bishop of Crediton, were the first women to be ordained as bishops at [[Canterbury Cathedral]].<ref name="anglicannews1"/> Treweek later made headlines by calling for gender-inclusive language, saying that "God is not to be seen as male. God is God."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/24/bishop-rachel-treweek-gods-not-a-he-or-a-she|title='God is not a he or a she', says first female bishop to sit in House of Lords|last=Sherwood|first=Harriet|date=24 October 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=30 April 2016}}</ref>

In May 2018, the Diocese of London consecrated [[Dame Sarah Mullally]] as the first woman to serve as the [[Bishop of London]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2018/18-may/news/uk/first-woman-bishop-of-sarah-mullally-london-installed |title=First woman Bishop of London installed |website= www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref> the third most senior position in the Church of England.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-44095112|title=First female Bishop of London installed|date=12 May 2018|work=BBC News|access-date= 20 May 2018 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Mullally has described herself as a feminist and said she would ordain both men and women to the priesthood.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/new-woman-bishop-goes-to-war-for-female-vicars-7q28wqkdf |title=New woman bishop goes to war for female vicars|first=Nicholas|last=Hellen|date=13 May 2018|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=20 May 2018|language=en|issn=0956-1382}}</ref> She is also considered by some to be a theological liberal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/d2042694-e3f1-11e7-8b99-0191e45377ec |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/d2042694-e3f1-11e7-8b99-0191e45377ec |archive-date=10 December 2022|title=Sarah Mullally to be first female bishop of London|website=Financial Times|date=18 December 2017|language=en-GB|access-date=|url-access = subscription|last1=Wright|first1=Robert}}</ref> On women's [[reproductive rights]], Mullally describes herself as [[Abortion-rights movements|pro-choice]] while also being personally [[Anti-abortion movements|pro-life]].<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://sarahmullally.wordpress.com/2012/03/09/choice/ |title=Choice|date=9 March 2012|work=Contemplation in the shadow of a carpark|access-date=20 May 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> On marriage, she supports the current stance of the Church of England that marriage is between a man and a woman, but also said that: "It is a time for us to reflect on our tradition and scripture, and together say how we can offer a response that is about it being inclusive love."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2017/22-december/news/uk/sarah-mullally-to-be-the-next-bishop-of-london|title=Former Chief Nursing Officer to be first woman Bishop of London|website=www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=20 May 2018}}</ref>

=== Same-sex unions and LGBT clergy ===
{{See also|Homosexuality and the Anglican Communion}}
The Church of England has been discussing [[Same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom|same-sex marriages]] and LGBT clergy.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-religion-samesex/church-of-england-proposes-celebrating-gay-marriage-idUKBRE9AR0CP20131128 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171002022751/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-religion-samesex/church-of-england-proposes-celebrating-gay-marriage-idUKBRE9AR0CP20131128 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2 October 2017 |title=Church of England proposes celebrating gay marriage |website=Reuters |access-date= 1 October 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Billson |first1=Chantelle |title=Church of England blessing services for same-sex couples unlikely before 2025: 'We don't all agree' |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/10/21/church-of-england-blessing-services-for-same-sex-couples-unlikely-before-2025-we-dont-all-agree/ |website=PinkNews |date=21 October 2023 |access-date=21 October 2023}}</ref> The church holds that marriage is a union of one man with one woman.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1657614/ssmarriagebillbriefing.pdf |title=Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill: Commons Second Reading briefing from the Church of England|access-date= 22 October 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171023012119/https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1657614/ssmarriagebillbriefing.pdf |archive-date= 23 October 2017 |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Church of England rejects same-sex marriage, says union is between "one man and one woman for life" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/church-of-england-continues-to-refuse-to-allow-same-sex-marriages/ |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=18 January 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> The church does not allow clergy to perform same-sex marriages, but in February 2023 approved of blessings for same-sex couples following a civil marriage or civil partnership.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2023-02-09 |title=Church of England votes in favour of blessings for same-sex unions |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/09/church-of-england-votes-in-favour-of-blessings-for-same-sex-unions |access-date=2023-02-10 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirka |first=Danica |title=Church of England allows blessings for same-sex couples |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/church-england-allows-blessings-same-sex-couples-97009556 |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> The church teaches "Same-sex relationships often embody genuine mutuality and fidelity."<ref name="x75">{{cite web |last1= Bingham |first1= John |title= Church offers prayers after same-sex weddings – but bans gay priests from marrying |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10640144/Church-offers-prayers-after-same-sex-weddings-but-bans-gay-priests-from-marrying.html |work=The Daily Telegraph|date= 15 February 2014 |access-date=25 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-pastoral-guidance-same-sex-marriage|title=House of Bishops Pastoral Guidance on Same Sex Marriage|website=The Church of England|date=15 February 2014 |language=en|access-date=24 January 2020}}</ref> In January 2023, the Bishops approved "prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God's blessing for same-sex couples."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bishops propose prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and for God's blessing for same-sex couples |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/bishops-propose-prayers-thanksgiving-dedication-and-gods-blessing |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=The Church of England |date=18 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Euan |date=20 January 2023 |title=Church of England Will Bless Same-Sex Couples, but Won't Marry Them |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/20/world/europe/church-england-same-sex-marriage.html |access-date=21 January 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2023 |title=Church of England refuses to back same-sex marriage |url=https://apnews.com/article/anglicanism-england-wales-marriage-religion-5086b3376929156e5f41461193a67aa5 |access-date=21 January 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref> The commended prayers of blessing for same-sex couples, known as "'''{{visible anchor|Prayers of Love and Faith}}'''," may be used during ordinary church services, and in November 2023 General Synod voted to authorise "standalone" blessings for same-sex couples on a trial basis, while permanent authorisation will require additional steps.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2023-11-15 |title=Church of England backs plans for trial blessings of same-sex weddings |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/15/church-of-england-backs-plans-for-blessings-of-same-sex-weddings |access-date=2023-11-20 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-15 |title=Church of England backs services for gay couples |first1=Harry|last1=Farley|language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67432854 |access-date=2023-11-20}}</ref> The church also officially supports [[Celibacy|celibate]] civil partnerships; "We believe that Civil Partnerships still have a place, including for some Christian [[Intersex and LGBT|LGBTI]] couples who see them as a way of gaining legal recognition of their relationship."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Keep-civil-partnerships-Church-of-England-urges-Government|title=Keep civil partnerships, Church of England urges Government|date=18 May 2018|work= Premier|access-date=20 May 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|Civil partnerships]] for clergy have been allowed since 2005, so long as they remain sexually abstinent,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/beds/bucks/herts/5236132.stm|title=Gay cleric's 'wedding' to partner|work=BBC News|access-date=27 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/angus-mearns/663064/gay-cleric-in-running-for-brechin-position/|title=Gay cleric in running for Brechin position|last1=Alex|first1=Stewart|last2=er|website=The Courier|date=2 June 2018 |language=en-GB|access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/04/church-of-england-gay-bishops|title=Church of England rules gay men in civil partnerships can become bishops|last=Walker|first=Peter|date=4 January 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=24 October 2016}}</ref> and the church extends pensions to clergy in same-sex civil partnerships.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Church of England General Synod extends pension rights for gay partners|url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/11/anglican-synod-gay-pension-rights|newspaper = The Guardian|date = 11 February 2010|access-date = 25 February 2016|issn = 0261-3077|language = en-GB|first = Stephen|last = Bates}}</ref> In a missive to clergy, the church communicated that "there was a need for committed same-sex couples to be given recognition and 'compassionate attention' from the Church, including special prayers."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9983121/Church-of-England-gives-blessing-to-recognising-civil-partnerships.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9983121/Church-of-England-gives-blessing-to-recognising-civil-partnerships.html |last1=Bingham|first1=John|archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=limited |date=10 April 2013|url-status=live|title=Church of England gives blessing to recognising civil partnerships|newspaper=The Telegraph|access-date=23 October 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "There is no prohibition on prayers being said in church or there being a 'service'" after a civil union.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2012/2-march/comment/letters-to-the-editor/civil-partnerships-and-defining-marriage|title=Civil partnerships and defining marriage|website=www.churchtimes.co.uk|access-date=3 April 2018|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029122821/https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2012/2-march/comment/letters-to-the-editor/civil-partnerships-and-defining-marriage|url-status=dead}}</ref> After same-sex marriage was legalised, the church sought continued availability of civil unions, saying "The Church of England recognises that same-sex relationships often embody fidelity and mutuality. Civil partnerships enable these Christian virtues to be recognised socially and legally in a proper framework."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.england.says.civil.partnerships.should.not.be.abolished.following.gay.marriage.legalisation/36731.htm|title=Church of England says civil partnerships should not be abolished following gay marriage legalisation|website=Christianity Today|author-last1=Trimmer|author-first1=Michael|date=11 April 2014 |access-date=21 November 2016}}</ref> In 2024, the General Synod voted in support of eventually permitting clergy to enter into civil same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Henderson |first=Cameron |date=2024-07-08 |title=Church takes first steps to allowing gay priests to marry |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/08/church-of-england-votes-to-allow-gay-clergy-to-marry/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Billson |first=Chantelle |date=2024-07-10 |title=Church of England body approves proposals to allow gay clergy to marry |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/07/10/church-of-england-body-approves-proposals-to-allow-gay-clergy-to-marry/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=PinkNews }}</ref>

In 2014, the bishops released guidelines that permit "more informal kind of prayer" for couples.<ref>{{cite web|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302032910/https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2014/02/house-of-bishops-pastoral-guidance-on-same-sex-marriage.aspx|archive-date=2 March 2014|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2014/02/house-of-bishops-pastoral-guidance-on-same-sex-marriage.aspx|title=Church of England News: House of Bishops Pastoral Guidance on Same Sex Marriage|website=Church of England News|access-date=7 April 2016}}</ref> In the guidelines, "gay couples who get married will be able to ask for special prayers in the Church of England after their wedding, the bishops have agreed."<ref name="x75"/> In 2016, the bishop of Grantham, [[Nicholas Chamberlain]], announced that he is gay, in a same-sex relationship and celibate, becoming the first bishop to do so in the church.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/02/nicholas-chamberlain-bishop-of-grantham-c-of-e-gay-relationship|title=Bishop of Grantham first C of E bishop to declare he is in gay relationship|last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2 September 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2 September 2016}}</ref> The church had decided in 2013 that gay clergy in civil partnerships so long as they remain sexually abstinent could become bishops.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/05/world/uk-same-sex-bishops/index.html|title=Priests in same-sex relationships may become Anglican Bishops|first=Ben|last=Brumfield|work=CNN|access-date=1 June 2017}}</ref> "The House [of Bishops] has confirmed that clergy in civil partnerships, and living in accordance with the teaching of the church on human sexuality, can be considered as candidates for the episcopate."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/05/world/europe/anglicans-open-a-path-to-bishopric-for-gay-men.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/05/world/europe/anglicans-open-a-path-to-bishopric-for-gay-men.html |archive-date=1 January 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Anglicans Open a Path to Bishopric for Gay Men|last=Lyall|first=Sarah|date=2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=27 September 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In 2017, the House of Clergy voted against the motion to "take note" of the bishops' report defining marriage as between a man and a woman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/church.of.englands.clergy.issue.shock.rebuke.to.bishops.conservative.view.on.sexuality/104738.htm|title=Church of England's Clergy Issue Shock Rebuke To Bishops' View on Sexuality |website=Christian Today|author-last1=Farley|author-first1=Harry|date=15 February 2017 |language=en|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> Due to passage in all three houses being required, the motion was rejected.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/15/church-england-votes-reject-controversial-gay-marriage-report/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/15/church-england-votes-reject-controversial-gay-marriage-report/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Church takes step towards gay marriage after vote rejects controversial report|author-first1=Olivia|author-last1=Rudgard|date=16 February 2017|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=17 February 2017|language=en-GB}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After General Synod rejected the motion, the archbishops of Canterbury and York called for "radical new Christian inclusion" that is "based on good, healthy, flourishing relationships, and in a proper 21st century understanding of being human and of being sexual."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/archbishops.call.for.radical.new.christian.inclusion.after.synod.blocks.sexuality.report/104775.htm|title=Archbishops Call For 'Radical New Christian Inclusion' After Synod Blocks Sexuality Report|website=www.christiantoday.com|date=16 February 2017 |language=en|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> The church officially opposes "[[conversion therapy]]", a practice which attempts to change a gay or lesbian person's sexual orientation, calling it unethical and supports the [[Conversion therapy ban|banning]] of "conversion therapy" in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/general-synod-backs-ban-conversion-therapy|title=General Synod backs ban on conversion therapy|website=www.churchofengland.org|date=8 July 2017 |language=en|access-date=5 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/church-of-england-warmly-welcomes-uk-plan-ban-gay-conversion-therapy-225724/|title=Church of England 'Warmly Welcomes' UK's Plan to Ban Gay Conversion Therapy|access-date=5 July 2018|language=en}}</ref> The [[Diocese of Hereford]] approved a motion calling for the church "to create a set of formal services and prayers to bless those who have had a same-sex marriage or civil partnership."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/landmark-vote-piles-pressure-on-anglicans-over-same-sex-marriage-jwrzs6qbs|title=Landmark vote piles pressure on Anglicans over same-sex marriage|last=Burgess|first=Kaya|date=20 October 2017|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=22 October 2017|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In 2022, "The House [of Bishops] also agreed to the formation of a Pastoral Consultative Group to support and advise dioceses on pastoral responses to circumstances that arise concerning LGBTI+ clergy, ordinands, lay leaders and the lay people in their care."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Church of England House of Bishops meet {{!}} Anglican Ink © 2022 |url=https://anglican.ink/2022/03/25/church-of-england-house-of-bishops-meet/ |access-date=26 March 2022 |website=anglican.ink|date=25 March 2022 }}</ref>

Regarding [[Christianity and transgender people|transgender issues]], the 2017 General Synod voted in favour of a motion saying that transgender people should be "welcomed and affirmed in their parish church".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/09/anglican-church-set-to-offer-special-services-for-transgender-people|title=Anglican church set to offer special services for transgender people|last=Sherwood|first=Harriet|date=9 July 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/07/09/church-of-england-to-hold-special-services-for-transgender-people-6766501/|title=Church of England to hold special services for transgender people|last=Metro.co.uk|first=Fiona Parker for|date=9 July 2017|website=Metro|access-date=10 July 2017}}</ref> The motion also asked the bishops "to look into special services for transgender people."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40546644|title=Church of England votes to explore transgender services|date=9 July 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2015/29-may/news/uk/diocese-of-blackburn-seeks-new-liturgy-for-trans-service|title=Diocese of Blackburn seeks new liturgy for trans service|website=Church Times |first1=Madeleine |last1=Davies |date= 29 May 2015 |access-date=28 April 2016}}</ref> The bishops initially said "the House notes that the Affirmation of Baptismal Faith, found in ''Common Worship'', is an ideal liturgical rite which trans people can use to mark this moment of personal renewal."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/GS%20Misc%201178%20-%20An%20update%20on%20Welcoming%20Transgender%20People%20%28003%29.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128074732/https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/GS%20Misc%201178%20-%20An%20update%20on%20Welcoming%20Transgender%20People%20%28003%29.pdf |archive-date=28 January 2018 |url-status=dead |title=An update on 'Welcoming Transgender People'|date=January 2018|website=The Church of England|access-date=27 January 2018}}</ref> The Bishops also authorised services of celebration to mark a gender transition that will be included in formal liturgy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46516299|title=Trans people invited to mark sex change in Church of England |date=11 December 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=12 December 2018 |language=en-GB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212114230/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46516299 |archive-date=  12 December 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2018/14-december/news/uk/adapted-baptism-liturgy-can-celebrate-gender-transition|title=Adapted baptism liturgy can celebrate gender transition|website=The Church Times |access-date=12 December 2018}}</ref> Transgender people may marry in the Church of England after legally making a transition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/820105/church-england-transgender-baptism-services-worshippers-naming|title=Church of England to consider re-naming services for transgender worshippers|last=Mansfield|first=Katie|date=24 June 2017|work=Express.co.uk|access-date=27 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> "Since the [[Gender Recognition Act 2004]], trans people legally confirmed in their gender identity under its provisions are able to marry someone of the opposite sex in their parish church."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jul/11/church-of-england-trans-gay-clergy-parishioners|title=The church's trans epiphany will ease the way for others like me |last=Beardsley|first=Tina|date=11 July 2017|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=27 May 2018}}</ref> The church further decided that same-gender couples may remain married when one spouse experiences [[Transitioning (transgender)|gender transition]] provided that the spouses identified as opposite genders at the time of the marriage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/article/church-of-england-accepts-same-sex-marriage-with-a-catch-3nq6j0zjh|title=Church accepts marriage between people of the same gender – with a catch|first=Kaya|last=Burgess|date=4 July 2019|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=6 July 2019|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/04/church-england-will-condone-gay-couples-first-time-long-man/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/04/church-england-will-condone-gay-couples-first-time-long-man/ |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Church of England will condone gay couples for first time – as long as they were man and wife when they took vows|last=Swerling|first=Gabriella|date=4 July 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=6 July 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Since 2000, the church has allowed priests to undergo gender transition and remain in office.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1052786.stm|title=Sex-change vicar back in pulpit|work=BBC News|access-date=1 December 2016}}</ref> The church has ordained openly transgender clergy since 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/72804951/transgender-priest-sings-praises-of-understanding|title=Transgender priest sings for change|website=Stuff|date=8 October 2015|access-date=30 April 2016}}</ref> The Church of England ordained the church's first openly [[Non-binary gender|non-binary]] priest in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Swerling |first=Gabriella |date=2 January 2023 |title=Church of England's first non-binary vicar says God 'guided' their identity |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/01/02/church-englands-first-non-binary-vicar-says-god-guided-identity/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=McAuley |first1=Paul |last2=Norden |first2=Jasmine |date=1 January 2023 |title=UK's first non-binary priest says God guided them to come out after an epiphany |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/uks-first-non-binary-priest-28853392 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=mirror |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, the Church of England appointed [[Rachel Mann]] as the church's first openly trans [[Archdeacon]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Swerling |first=Gabriella |date=2023-06-16 |title=Church of England appoints Rachel Mann as first transgender Archdeacon |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/06/16/church-england-transgender-archdeacon-appointed-rachel-mann/ |access-date=2025-03-15 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Helen |date=2024-01-19 |title=Church of England's first trans archdeacon: 'I promised I'd not prioritise being a priest over love' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/authors/rachel-mann-poet-church-of-england-archdeacon-interview/ |access-date=2025-03-15 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

In January 2023, a meeting of the Bishops of the Church of England rejected demands for clergy to conduct same-sex marriages. However, proposals would be put to the General Synod that clergy should be able to hold church blessings for same-sex civil marriages, albeit on a voluntary basis for individual clergy. This comes as the Church continued to be split on same-sex marriages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2023 |title=Church of England bishops refuse to back gay marriage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/18/church-of-england-bishops-refuse-to-back-gay-marriage |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2023, ten archbishops of the [[Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches]] released a statement stating that they had broken communion and no longer recognised [[Justin Welby]] as "the first among equals" or "[[primus inter pares]]" in the Anglican Communion in response to the General Synod's decision to approve the blessing of same-sex couples following a civil marriage or partnership, leading to questions as to the status of the Church of England as the [[mother church]] of the international [[Anglican Communion]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2023-02-21 |title=Anglican group rejects Archbishop of Canterbury as schism widens |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230221-anglican-group-rejects-archbishop-of-canterbury-as-schism-widens |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Lawless |first=Jill |date=February 20, 2023 |title=Anglican bishops reject leader Welby over gay marriage |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/anglican-bishops-reject-leader-welby-gay-marriage-97337650 |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=ABC News |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Joe |title=The FAQs: Anglican Communion Splits over 'Blessing' of Same-Sex Marriages |url=https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/anglican-communion-blessing-same-sex-marriages/ |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=The Gospel Coalition |date=22 February 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In November 2023, the General Synod narrowly voted to allow church blessings for same-sex couples on a trial basis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Browning |first=Bil |date=2023-11-16 |title=Church of England will try out blessing same-sex marriages |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/11/church-of-england-will-try-out-blessing-same-sex-marriages/ |access-date=2023-11-18 |website=LGBTQ Nation}}</ref> In December 2023, the first blessings of same-sex couples began in the Church of England.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-17 |title=Felixstowe same-sex couple receives one of Anglican church's first blessings |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-suffolk-67743298 |access-date=2023-12-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Francis |date=18 December 2023 |title=Blessing prayers used for the first time for same-sex couples |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/22-december/news/uk/blessing-prayers-used-for-the-first-time-for-same-sex-couples |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=[[Church Times]]}}</ref> In 2024, the General Synod voted to support moving forward with "stand-alone" services of blessing for same-sex couples after a civil marriage or civil partnership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-10 |title=Church of England's General Synod backs standalone services for same-sex blessings |url=https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2024/07/10/church-of-englands-general-synod-backs-standalone-services-for-same-sex-blessings/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Episcopal News Service |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Mark |date=2024-07-10 |title=Same Sex Blessings in the C of E: 'The Bus Rolls On' |url=https://livingchurch.org/news/news-anglican-communion/same-sex-blessings-in-the-c-of-e-the-bus-rolls-on/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=The Living Church |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=2024-07-08 |title=Church of England moves closer to services of blessing for same-sex couples |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/08/church-of-england-synod-vote-services-blessing-same-sex-couples-welby |access-date=2024-07-16 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In 2025, the House of Bishops announced the blessings of same-sex couples may continue during the regularly scheduled services; however, they also announced that authorising stand-alone blessings would require a two-thirds majority of General Synod, and that allowing clergy to enter into same-sex marriages would require a simple majority vote of the General Synod.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/archbishop-acknowledges-disappointment-on-standalone-same-sex-blessings-decision/ar-AA1OxsOs?ocid=uxbndlbing |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=M |first=Mujiva |date=October 16, 2025 |title=Church of England bishops stop plans to trial blessing services for gay couples |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/church-england-bishops-stop-planned-trial-blessing-services-gay-couples-2025-10-16/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=writer |first=Staff |date=2025-10-17 |title=Church of England halts plans for standalone same-sex blessing services |url=https://www.christiantoday.com/news/church-of-england-halts-plans-for-standalone-same-sex-blessing-services |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=www.christiantoday.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burgess |first=Kaya |date=2025-10-15 |title=Church of England bishops halt plans for blessing services for gay couples |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/religion/article/church-of-england-gay-couples-blessing-services-mjfm9gjjq |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}}</ref> Individual clergy of the Church of England have declared their intent to unofficially offer stand-alone blessings for same-sex couples.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vicars defy bishops by offering stand-alone same-sex blessings - Premier Christian News {{!}} Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis |url=https://premierchristian.news/us/news/article/vicars-defy-bishops-over-same-sex-blessings |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=premierchristian.news |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Access Restricted |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/20/vicars-rebel-house-bishops-plan-gay-marriage-church-england/ |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref>

===Bioethics issues===
The Church of England is generally opposed to abortion but believes "there can be strictly limited conditions under which abortion may be morally preferable to any available alternative".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hardman |first1=Christine |author-link=Christine Hardman |last2=James |first2=Newcome |author-link2=James Newcome |date=29 November 2019 |title=Response to open letter on abortion |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/news-and-statements/response-open-letter-abortion |access-date=26 May 2022 |website=Church of England}}</ref> The church also opposes euthanasia. Its official stance is that "While acknowledging the complexity of the issues involved in assisted dying/suicide and voluntary euthanasia, the Church of England is opposed to any change in the law or in medical practice that would make assisted dying/suicide or voluntary euthanasia permissible in law or acceptable in practice." It also states that "Equally, the Church shares the desire to alleviate physical and psychological suffering, but believes that assisted dying/suicide and voluntary euthanasia are not acceptable means of achieving these laudable goals."<ref>[https://www.churchofengland.org/media/57990/assisteddyingpdfmar09.pdf "Assisted Dying/Suicide and Voluntary Euthanasia"], Church of England.</ref> In 2014, George Carey, a former archbishop of Canterbury, announced that he had changed his stance on euthanasia and now advocated legalising "assisted dying".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jul/12/archbishop-canterbury-carey-support-assisted-dying-proposal|title=Former archbishop lends his support to campaign to legalise right to die|last=Watt|first=Nicholas|date=11 July 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=31 May 2016}}</ref> On embryonic stem-cell research, the church has announced "cautious acceptance to the proposal to produce cytoplasmic hybrid embryos for research".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/our-views/medical-ethics-health-social-care-policy/hfea.aspx|title=The Church of England and human fertilisation & embryology|website=www.churchofengland.org|access-date=31 May 2016}}</ref>

In the 19th century, English law required the burial of people who had died by suicide to occur only [[Interments (felo de se) Act 1882|between the hours of 9 p.m. and midnight and without religious rites]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/suicides-can-receive-anglican-funerals-says-general-synod/47997.htm|title=Suicides can receive Anglican funerals, says General Synod|last=Gledhill|first=Ruth|date=12 February 2015|website=www.christiantoday.com|language=en|access-date=7 August 2019}}</ref> The Church of England permitted the use of alternative burial services for people who had died by suicide. In 2017, the Church of England changed its rules to permit the full, standard Christian burial service regardless of whether a person had died by suicide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Church-ends-ban-on-full-Christian-funerals-for-suicides|title=Church ends ban on full Christian funerals for suicides|last=Adeogun|first=Eno|date=11 July 2017|website=Premier|language=en-GB|access-date=7 August 2019}}</ref>

==Social work==

===Church Urban Fund===
{{Main|Church Urban Fund}}

The Church of England set up the [[Church Urban Fund]] in the 1980s to tackle poverty and [[Social deprivation|deprivation]]. It sees poverty as trapping individuals and communities with some people in urgent need, leading to [[Dependant|dependency]], [[homelessness]], [[hunger]], [[social isolation|isolation]], [[low income]], [[mental health]] problems, [[social exclusion]] and violence. The organisation believes that poverty reduces confidence and [[life expectancy]] and that people born in poor conditions have difficulty escaping their disadvantaged circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cuf.org.uk/about|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214051036/http://www.cuf.org.uk/about|url-status=dead|title=About Church Urban Fund|archive-date=14 December 2013}}</ref>

====Child poverty====
In parts of [[Liverpool]], Manchester and [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] two-thirds of babies are born to poverty and have poorer life chances, also a life expectancy 15 years lower than babies born in the best-off fortunate communities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18137739|title=Church Urban Fund finds 'poorest' in north-west England|work=BBC News|date=21 May 2012}}</ref>
{{blockquote|The deep-rooted unfairness in our society is highlighted by these stark statistics. Children being born in this country, just a few miles apart, couldn't witness a more wildly differing start to life. In child poverty terms, we live in one of the most unequal countries in the western world. We want people to understand where their own community sits alongside neighbouring communities. The disparity is often shocking but it's crucial that, through greater awareness, people from all backgrounds come together to think about what could be done to support those born into poverty. [Paul Hackwood, the Chair of Trustees at Church Urban Fund]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2012/09/child-poverty-in-the-uk.aspx|title=Child poverty in the UK|work=Church of England News}}</ref>}}

===Action on hunger===
Many prominent people in the Church of England have spoken out against poverty and welfare cuts in the United Kingdom. Twenty-seven bishops are among 43 Christian leaders who signed a letter which urged [[David Cameron]] to make sure people [[Poverty#Hunger|have enough to eat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-26447627|title=End Hunger Fast priest begins 40-day protest|date=5 March 2014|access-date=9 February 2025|website=BBC News|quote=As part of the End Hunger Fast campaign, 43 Christian leaders, including 27 Anglican bishops, signed a letter urging David Cameron to ensure people get enough to eat.}}</ref>
{{blockquote|We often hear talk of hard choices. Surely few can be harder than that faced by the tens of thousands of older people who must 'heat or eat' each winter, harder than those faced by families whose wages have stayed flat while [[food prices]] have gone up 30% in just five years. Yet beyond even this we must, as a society, face up to the fact that over half of people using food banks have been put in that situation by cutbacks to and failures in the benefit system, whether it be payment delays or punitive sanctions.<ref name="BBC20/02/14">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-26261700|title=Bishops demand action over hunger|work=BBC News|date=20 February 2014}}</ref>}}

Thousands of UK citizens use [[food bank]]s. The church's campaign to end hunger considers this "truly shocking" and called for a national day of [[fasting]] on 4 April 2014.<ref name="BBC20/02/14"/>

==Membership==
In 2009, the Church of England estimated that it had approximately 25–26&nbsp;million [[baptised]] members – about 47% of the English population.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gledhill |first1=Ruth |title=Christian asks to be 'de baptised' |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/christian-asks-to-be-de-baptised-9bzq7mtzs2q |access-date=16 February 2021 |work=[[The Times]] |date=18 March 2009 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{cite book|chapter=The representation of religious faiths |title=A House for the Future |publisher=UK Parliament |date=2010 |page=155 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/266078/chap15.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725104756/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/266078/chap15.pdf |archive-date=25 July 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> This number had remained consistent since 2001 and was cited again in 2013, 2014, and 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coombe |first1=Victoria |title=Baptised Anglicans are now a minority |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1357547/Baptised-Anglicans-are-now-a-minority.html#:~:text=Babies%20born%20to%20two%20Anglican,per%20cent%20of%20the%20population. |access-date=16 February 2021 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=26 September 2001}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Nasralla|first=Shadia|date=21 March 2013|title=Update 1-Former oil executive becomes new head of Anglicans|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/religion-anglicans-idUSL6N0CDEGS20130321|access-date=25 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cullinane |first=Susannah |date=2014-07-14 |title=Church of England to allow female bishops |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/07/14/world/europe/uk-church-women-bishops/index.html |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=CNN }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=August 30, 2023 |title=Most Church of England priests say Britain no longer a Christian nation, warn of 'extinction' |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/aug/30/rue-britannia-most-church-england-priests-say-brit/ |access-date=June 27, 2025 |website=The Washington Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2010, the government estimated that there were 24,841,000 baptised members of the Church of England.<ref name=":7" /> According to a 2016 study published by the ''[[Journal of Anglican Studies]]'', the Church of England continued to claim 26 million baptised members, while it also had approximately 1.7 million active baptised members.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Muñoz|first=Daniel|date=May 2016|title=North to South: A Reappraisal of Anglican Communion Membership Figures|journal=[[Journal of Anglican Studies]]|volume=14|issue=1|pages=71–95|doi=10.1017/S1740355315000212|issn=1740-3553|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Ruth |last=Gledhill |date=12 November 2015|title=Anglican membership figures could be out by millions|url=https://www.christiantoday.com/article/anglican-membership-figures-could-be-out-by-millions/70392.htm|access-date=25 July 2021|website=Christian Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gerns |first=Andrew |date=13 November 2015 |title=Exactly how big is the Anglican Communion? |url=https://www.episcopalcafe.com/exactly-how-big-is-the-anglican-communion/ |website=Episcopal Cafe |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415072712/https://www.episcopalcafe.com/exactly-how-big-is-the-anglican-communion/ |archive-date=15 April 2021 |via=Internet Archive}}</ref> The Center for the Study of Worldwide Christianity's research found that the Church of England counted more than 24 million members in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodhew |first=David |date=2022-02-22 |title=Is Anglicanism Growing or Dying? New Data |url=https://livingchurch.org/covenant/is-anglicanism-growing-or-dying-new-data/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=The Living Church |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2017, ''Growth and Decline in the Anglican Communion: 1980 to the Present'', published by [[Routledge]], collected research reporting there were 25 million baptised members of the Church of England, 1 to 4 million monthly individual attenders, and 1.1 million adults on the Electoral Rolls.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book |title=Growth and decline in the Anglican communion: 1980 to the present |publisher=Routledge |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-4724-3364-0 |editor-last=Goodhew |editor-first=David |edition=1st |series=Routledge contemporary ecclesiology |location=London New York |pages=272–276, 279}}</ref> The Church of England Yearbook, in 2024, continues to report 26 million members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anglican Communion Detail |url=https://www.crockford.org.uk/anglican-communion/10/09%20the%20church%20of%20england |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.crockford.org.uk}}</ref> In 2025, ''[[Church Times]]'', using 2020 data provided by the [[World Christian Encyclopedia|World Christian Database]], reported that the Church of England has approximately 23 million baptised members, about 41% of the English population, a modest decline from 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How much influence does the global Anglican Communion have in choosing the next Archbishop of Canterbury? |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2025/6-june/features/features/how-will-the-global-anglican-communion-be-represented-in-deciding-the-next-archbishop-of-canterbury |access-date=2025-07-20 |website=www.churchtimes.co.uk}}</ref>

In 2008, 13.4 million Britons actively self-identified themselves as members of the Church of England.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-07-15 |title=Anglican Church around the world |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/3226753.stm |access-date=2025-06-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-07-15 |title=Anglican Church around the world |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/3226753.stm |access-date=2025-06-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2016, a research at [[St Mary's University, Twickenham|St. Mary's University]] in London found that 19.8% of the population of England and Wales identified as Anglican; additionally, half of those who were raised Anglican identified as 'No religion' in the survey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contemporary Catholicism in England and Wales |url=https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/research/centres/benedict-xvi/contemporary-catholicism.aspx |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=www.stmarys.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=St Mary's Study Finds London Most Religious Area in England and Wales |url=https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/news/2016/st-marys-study-finds-london-most-religious-area-in-england-and-wales |access-date=2026-01-01 |website=St Mary's University, Twickenham, London |language=en}}</ref> In 2018, the [[British Social Attitudes Survey]] found that 14% of Britons, or about 10 million people, self-identified as members of the Church of England; this was called an "unrelenting decline" by a spokesperson for the survey.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=6 September 2018 |title=Church of England numbers in Britain are at record low - survey |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/church-of-england-numbers-in-britain-are-at-record-low-survey-idUSKCN1LM3DI/ |access-date=17 April 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref> Also in 2018, research conducted by [[YouGov]] found that 56% of Christians in England and Wales self-identified as members of the Church of England or the Church in Wales.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Christians in England and Wales are Anglican or Catholic |url=https://legacy.biblesociety.org.uk/lumino/insights/national/most-christians-in-england-and-wales-are-anglican-or-catholic/ |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=legacy.biblesociety.org.uk}}</ref> In 2023, 53% of Christians in the UK, or about 16.7 million people, identified as Anglican, most in the Church of England.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Europe's religious landscape: Faith and religious diversity in an era of rapid change |url=https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/fileadmin/files/PicturePark/2023-10/ST-DZ_Factsheet_Europe_s_religious_landscape_2023.pdf |access-date=July 21, 2025 |website=Betelsmann-Stiflung}}</ref> According to David Voas, conducting research in 2001 at the University of Sheffield, the number of baptised members was expected to decline at a rate of 1 million every five years;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-09-26 |title=Baptised Anglicans are now a minority |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1357547/Baptised-Anglicans-are-now-a-minority.html |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}}</ref> their number was reported to have fallen to 20 million in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-31 |title=Archbishop Justin Welby, former head of Anglican Church, admits he was 'wrong' |url=https://international.la-croix.com/religion/archbishop-justin-welby-former-head-of-anglican-church-admits-he-was-wrong |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=La croix international |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250331172503/https://international.la-croix.com/religion/archbishop-justin-welby-former-head-of-anglican-church-admits-he-was-wrong |url-status=dead }}</ref> Research published in 2022 showed that the large number of people baptised in the Church of England is due to the state church's "quasi-ethnic dimension, whereby the large numbers of the English population have been baptized (sic) Anglican, even though they otherwise engage minimally with the church or Christian faith. The C of E’s nominal membership is 24 million, but its...Sunday attendance was a small fraction of that figure."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodhew |first=David |date=2022-02-22 |title=Is Anglicanism Growing or Dying? New Data |url=https://livingchurch.org/covenant/is-anglicanism-growing-or-dying-new-data/#:~:text=Since%202015%20the%20Communion%20has,size%20it%20was%20in%201970. |access-date=2025-04-21 |website=The Living Church |language=en-US}}</ref>

Due to the Church of England's status as the [[state religion|established]] church, in general, anyone may be married, have their children baptised or their funeral held in their local [[Church of England parish church|parish church]], regardless of whether they are baptised or regular churchgoers.<ref>See the pages linked from the [http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/ Life Events page on the Church of England website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122050046/http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/ |date=22 November 2010}}</ref> In 2017, research found that 20% of children continue to be baptised in the Church of England.<ref name=":8" /> According to the church's data, around 8 million people attended services, including special services and carols, during the Advent and Christmas season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=Christmas attendance at highest level for more than a decade |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/christmas-attendance-highest-level-more-decade |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=www.churchofengland.org}}</ref> Including special events, about 35%<ref>{{Cite web |title=Christian Research - Anglican UK |url=https://christian-research.org/reports/archives-and-statistics/anglican-uk/ |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=christian-research.org}}</ref> of the population, or "more than a third of adults in the country go to church at some point during the Christmas season, if only for choral concerts or nativity plays."<ref>{{Cite book |title=Growth and decline in the Anglican communion: 1980 to the present |publisher=Routledge |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-4724-3364-0 |editor-last=Goodhew |editor-first=David |edition=1st |series=Routledge contemporary ecclesiology |location=London New York |pages=272}}</ref>

Between 1890 and 2001, [[church attendance|churchgoing]] in the United Kingdom declined steadily.<ref>{{cite book |first=Peter J. |last=Bowler |title=Reconciling science and religion: the debate in early-twentieth-century Britain |publisher=University of Chicago Press |date=2001 |page=194}}</ref> In the years 1968 to 1999, Anglican Sunday church attendances almost halved, from 3.5 per cent of the population to 1.9 per cent.<ref>{{cite book |first=Robin |last=Gill |title=The Empty Church Revisited |publisher=Ashgate Publishing |date=2003 |page=161}}</ref> By 2014, Sunday church attendances had declined further to 1.4 per cent of the population.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/12095251/Church-of-England-attendance-plunges-to-record-low.html |title=Church of England attendance plunges to record low |date=12 January 2016 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref> One study published in 2008 suggested that if current trends continued, Sunday attendances could fall to 350,000 in 2030 and 87,800 in 2050.<ref>Christian Research, ''Religious Trends'' (2008), cited in [[Ruth Gledhill]], "Churchgoing on its knees as Christianity falls out of favour", ''The Times'', 8 May 2008.</ref> The Church of England releases an annual publication, Statistics for Mission, detailing numerous criteria relating to participation with the church. Below is a snapshot of several key metrics from every five years since 2001 (2022 has been used in place of 2021 to avoid the impact of Covid restrictions). Since 2021, Sunday church attendance has increased, although not to pre-pandemic levels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Church of England weekly service attendance rising, but still below pre-pandemic levels - Premier Christian News {{!}} Headlines, Breaking News, Comment & Analysis |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/church-of-england-weekly-service-attendance-rising-but-still-below-pre-pandemic-levels |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=premierchristian.news |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Church of England participation figures (half-decade intervals)
!Category
!2001<ref name="mission-2011">{{Cite web |title=Statistics for Mission 2011 |date=2013 |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/statistics-for-mission-2011.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204104722/https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/statistics-for-mission-2011.pdf |archive-date=4 December 2023 |publisher=The Church of England Research & Statistics |access-date=29 December 2023}}</ref>
!2006<ref name="mission-2011"/>
!2011<ref name="mission-2016">{{cite web |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/2016StatisticsForMission.pdf |title=Statistics for Mission 2016 |publisher=The Church of England Research & Statistics |date=2017 |access-date=29 December 2023}}</ref>
!2016<ref name="mission-2016"/>
!2022<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/statisticsformission2022.pdf |title=Statistics for Mission 2022 |publisher=The Church of England Research & Statistics |date=2023 |last=Eames |first=Ken |access-date=29 December 2023}}</ref>{{Efn|Using 2022 due to [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID]] restrictions in 2021}}
|-
|Worshipping Community{{Efn|Attendance of at least once per month, first used after 2012}}
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|1,138,800
|984,000
|-
|All Age Weekly Attendance 
|1,205,000
|1,163,000
|1,050,300
|927,300
|654,000
|-
|All Age Sunday Attendance
|1,041,000
|983,000
|858,400
|779,800
|547,000
|-
|Easter Attendance
|1,593,000
|1,485,000
|1,378,200
|1,222,700
|861,000
|-
|Christmas Attendance
|2,608,000
|2,994,000
|2,641,500
|2,580,000
|1,622,000
|}

== Personnel ==
In 2020, there were almost 20,000 active clergy serving in the Church of England, including 7,200 retired clergy who continued to serve. In that year, 580 were ordained (330 in stipendiary posts and 250 in self-supporting parochial posts) and a further 580 ordinands began their training.<ref name="Ministry2020">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Ministry Statistics 2020 |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2021-07/ministry-statistics-2020-report-final.pdf |website=Church of England |pages=2, 3 |date=2021 |access-date=18 October 2023}}</ref> In that year, 33% of those in ordained ministry were female, an increase from the 26% reported in 2016.<ref name="Ministry2020" />

In statistics, released in June 2025, there were 17,885 active clergy serving. This was made up of 6,695 stipendiary (paid) ministry staff, as well as 2,511 SSM (Self-Supporting Ministers), and 8,679 others (including retired but who could still officiate, and chaplains).<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2025 |title=Church of England Ministry Statistics - June 2025 |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/ministry-statistics_june2025.xlsx |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=www.churchofengland.org}}</ref>

==Structure==
{{see also|Anglican ministry|List of Church of England dioceses}}
[[File:Dioceses of Church of England.svg|thumb|right|Dioceses of the Church of England {{legend|#FFF400|outline=#00|[[Province of Canterbury]]}}{{legend|#FD8F9E|outline=#00|[[Province of York]]}}]]

Article XIX ('Of the Church') of the Thirty-nine Articles defines the church as follows:

{{blockquote|The [[Church visible|visible Church of Christ]] is a congregation of faithful men, in which [[Marks of the Church (Protestantism)|the pure Word of God is preached, and the sacraments be duly ministered]] according to Christ's ordinance in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071024065315/http://www.churchsociety.org/issues_new/doctrine/39a/iss_doctrine_39A_Arts19-22.asp 39 Articles – 19–22]. Church Society.</ref>}}

[[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|The British monarch]] has the constitutional title of [[Supreme Governor of the Church of England]]. The canon law of the Church of England states, "We acknowledge that the King's most excellent Majesty, acting according to the laws of the realm, is the highest power under God in this kingdom, and has supreme authority over all persons in all causes, as well ecclesiastical as civil."<ref>[https://www.churchofengland.org/about/leadership-and-governance/legal-services/canons-church-england/section#b7] Canon A 7 "Of the Royal Supremacy"</ref> In practice this power is often exercised through [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] and on the advice of the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]].

The [[Church of Ireland]] and the [[Church in Wales]] separated from the Church of England in 1869<ref name="irishchurchact">{{cite web|title=Irish Church Act 1869|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1869/42/enacted|publisher=Parliament of the United Kingdom|access-date=10 October 2012}}</ref> and 1920<ref name="wales-heritage">{{cite web|title=Our Heritage: Facing Difficulties|url=http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/life/heritage/awi/part7.php|work=Church in Wales website|access-date=10 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325125108/http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/life/heritage/awi/part7.php|archive-date=25 March 2013}}</ref> respectively and are autonomous churches in the Anglican Communion; Scotland's national church, the [[Church of Scotland]], is [[Presbyterian]], but the [[Scottish Episcopal Church]] is part of the Anglican Communion.<ref name="episcopal-history">{{cite web|title=History: The Revolution|url=http://www.scotland.anglican.org/index.php/about/history_chapter/8_the_revolution/|work=Scottish Episcopal Church website|access-date=10 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202195354/http://www.scotland.anglican.org/index.php/about/history_chapter/8_the_revolution/|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In addition to England, the jurisdiction of the Church of England extends to the [[Isle of Man]], the [[Channel Islands]] and a few parishes in [[Flintshire]], [[Monmouthshire]] and [[Powys]] in Wales [[Church of England border polls 1915–1916|which voted to remain with the Church of England rather than joining the Church in Wales]].<ref>Cross, F. L. (ed.) (1957) Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church; p. 1436</ref> Expatriate congregations on the continent of Europe have become the [[Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe]].

The church is structured as follows (from the lowest level upwards):{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
[[File:TootBaldon StLawrence ParishChurch.JPG|thumb|The parish church of St Lawrence in [[Toot Baldon]] is typical of many small English village churches.|alt=]]
* [[Parish]] is the most local level, often consisting of one church building (a [[Church of England parish church|parish church]]) and community, although many parishes are joining forces in a variety of ways for financial reasons. The parish is looked after by a parish [[Anglican priest|priest]] who for historical or legal reasons may be called by one of the following offices: [[vicar]], [[Rector (ecclesiastical)|rector]], [[priest in charge]], team rector, team vicar. The first, second, fourth and fifth of these may also be known as the 'incumbent'. The running of the parish is the joint responsibility of the incumbent and the [[parochial church council]] (PCC), which consists of the parish clergy and elected representatives from the congregation. The Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe is not formally divided into parishes.
* There are a number of local churches that do not have a parish. In urban areas there are a number of [[proprietary chapel]]s (mostly built in the 19th century to cope with urbanisation and growth in population). Also in more recent years there are increasingly [[church plant]]s and [[fresh expression]]s of church, whereby new congregations are planted in locations such as schools or pubs to spread the Gospel of Christ in non-traditional ways.
[[File:Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe.PNG|thumb|right|Map showing the [[Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe]] with the archdeaconries colour-coded]]
* [[Deanery]], ''e.g.'', Lewisham or Runnymede. This is the area for which a [[Rural Dean]] (or area dean) is responsible. It consists of a number of parishes in a particular district. The rural dean is usually the incumbent of one of the constituent parishes. The parishes each elect lay (non-ordained) representatives to the deanery [[synod]]. Deanery synod members each have a vote in the election of representatives to the diocesan synod.
* Archdeaconry, ''e.g.'', the seven in the [[Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe]]. This is the area under the jurisdiction of an [[archdeacon]]. It consists of a number of deaneries.
* [[Diocese]], ''e.g.'', [[Diocese of Durham]], [[Diocese of Guildford]], [[Diocese of St Albans]]. This is the area under the jurisdiction of a diocesan bishop, ''e.g.'', the bishops of Durham, Guildford and St Albans, and will have a cathedral. There may be one or more [[suffragan bishop]]s within the diocese who assist the diocesan bishop in his ministry, ''e.g.'', in Guildford diocese, the Bishop of Dorking. In some very large dioceses a legal measure has been enacted to create "episcopal areas", where the diocesan bishop runs one such area himself and appoints "area bishops" to run the other areas as mini-dioceses, legally delegating many of his powers to the area bishops. Dioceses with episcopal areas include [[Diocese of London|London]], [[Diocese of Chelmsford|Chelmsford]], [[Anglican Diocese of Leeds|Leeds]] , [[Diocese of Oxford|Oxford]] and  [[Anglican Diocese of Southwark|Southwark]]. The bishops work with an elected body of [[Laity|lay]] and [[ordained]] representatives, known as the [[Diocesan Synod]], to run the diocese. A diocese is subdivided into a number of archdeaconries.
* [[Ecclesiastical province|Province]], ''i.e.'', Canterbury or York. This is the area under the jurisdiction of an [[archbishop]], ''i.e.'' the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Decision-making within the province is the responsibility of the General Synod (see also above). A province is subdivided into dioceses.
* [[Primacy of Canterbury|Primacy]], ''i.e.'', Church of England. The [[Archbishop of York]]'s title of "Primate of England" is essentially honorific and carries with it no powers beyond those inherent in being [[Archbishop]] and [[Metropolitan bishop|Metropolitan]] of the [[Province of York]].<ref name="EGM">{{cite book
 |last=Moore
 |first=E. Garth
 |author-link=
 |date=1967
 |title=An Introduction to English Canon Law
 |location=Oxford
 |publisher=Clarendon Press
 |page=29
}}
</ref> The [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], on the other hand, the "Primate of All England", has powers that extend over the whole of England, and also [[Wales]]—for example, through his [[Court of Faculties|Faculty Office]] he may grant a "special marriage licence" permitting the parties to marry otherwise than in a church: for example, in a school, college or university chapel;<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.facultyoffice.org.uk/special-marriage-licences/couples/general-information-about-marriage-in-the-church-of-england/| title= Faculty Office : Special Marriage Licence – Marriage Law Information – School, College and University Chapels | access-date=20 June 2021}}</ref> or anywhere, if one of the parties to the intended marriage is in danger of imminent death.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.facultyoffice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Emergency-marriage-in-hospital-for-issue-April-2020.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614235930/http://www.facultyoffice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Emergency-marriage-in-hospital-for-issue-April-2020.pdf |archive-date=14 June 2020 |url-status=live| title= Faculty Office : Emergency Marriages in Hospital, Hospice or At Home (England and Wales) | access-date=20 June 2021}}</ref>{{efn|The powers to grant special marriage licences, to appoint [[notary public|notaries public]], and to grant [[Lambeth degree]]s, are derived from the so called "legatine powers" which were held by the Pope's Legate to England prior to the Reformation, and were transferred to the Archbishop of Canterbury by the Ecclesiastical Licences Act 1533. Thus they are not, strictly speaking, derived from the status of the Archbishop of Canterbury as "Primate of All England". For this reason, they extend also to Wales.<ref name=EGM/>
}}
* [[Royal Peculiar]], a small number of churches which are more closely associated with [[the Crown]], for example [[Westminster Abbey]], and a very few more closely associated with the law which although conforming to the rites of the Church, are outside episcopal jurisdiction.

All rectors and vicars are [[advowson|appointed by patrons]], who may be private individuals, corporate bodies such as cathedrals, colleges or trusts, or by the bishop or directly by the Crown. No clergy can be instituted and inducted into a parish without swearing the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty, and taking the Oath of Canonical Obedience "in all things lawful and honest" to the bishop. Usually they are instituted to the benefice by the bishop and then inducted by the archdeacon into the possession of the benefice property—church and parsonage. [[Curate]]s (assistant clergy) are appointed by rectors and vicars, or if priests-in-charge by the bishop after consultation with the patron. Cathedral clergy (normally a [[List of deans in the Church of England|dean]] and a varying number of residentiary canons who constitute the cathedral chapter) are appointed either by the Crown, the bishop, or by the dean and chapter themselves. Clergy officiate in a diocese either because they hold office as beneficed clergy or are licensed by the bishop when appointed, or simply with permission.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

===Primates===
[[File:Official_portrait_of_The_Lord_Archbishop_of_Canterbury_crop_2.jpg|thumb|233x233px|[[Justin Welby]], [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] from February 2013 to January 2025]]
The most senior bishop of the Church of England is the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], who is the [[Metropolitan bishop|metropolitan]] of the southern province of England, the Province of Canterbury. He has the status of Primate of All England, and is the focus of unity for the worldwide Anglican Communion of independent national or regional churches. [[Justin Welby]] was the most recent Archbishop of Canterbury, from 4 February 2013 to his resignation effective on 6 January 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/justin-welby-archbishop-canterbury-resigns-bishop-staff-b2674734.html|title=Justin Welby lays down archbishop's staff as Church of England urged to undergo 'complete reform'|work=The Independent|date=2026-01-06}}</ref> In October 2025, [[Sarah Mullally|Dame Sarah Mullally]] was named as Welby's successor – the first woman in the history of the office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Sarah Mullally named as new Archbishop of Canterbury |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2lxyxqzxkdo |access-date=2025-10-04 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Landler |first=Mark |date=2025-10-03 |title=Sarah Mullally Is Named as First Female Archbishop of Canterbury |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/world/europe/uk-archbishop-canterbury-woman-church-sarah-mullally.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251003101458/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/03/world/europe/uk-archbishop-canterbury-woman-church-sarah-mullally.html |archive-date=2025-10-03 |access-date=2025-10-04 |work=New York Times |language=en}}</ref>

The second most senior bishop is the [[Archbishop of York]], who is the metropolitan of the northern province of England, the Province of York. For historical reasons (relating to the time of York's control by the [[Danelaw|Danes]])<ref>{{CathEncy|wstitle=Ancient See of York}}</ref> he is referred to as the Primate of England. [[Stephen Cottrell]] became Archbishop of York in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stephen Cottrell's biography |url=https://www.archbishopofyork.org/archbishop-york/stephen-cottrells-biography |website=The Archbishop of York |access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref> The [[Bishop of London]], the [[Bishop of Durham]] and the [[Bishop of Winchester]] are ranked in the next three positions, insofar as the holders of those sees automatically become members of the [[House of Lords]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/41-42/68/section/5/enacted
|title=Bishoprics Act 1878, s. 5|publisher=Legislation.gov.uk |access-date=21 June 2021}}</ref>{{efn|The bishops are named in this order in the section.}}

===Diocesan bishops===
The process of appointing diocesan bishops is complex, due to historical reasons balancing hierarchy against democracy, and is handled by the [[Appointment of Church of England bishops|Crown Nominations Committee]] which submits names to the Prime Minister (acting on behalf of the Crown) for consideration.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Church and state in 21st century Britain : the future of church establishment |date=2009 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=978-0-230-23437-6 |editor-last=Morris |editor-first=R. M. |location=Basingstoke [England] |pages=54 |oclc=427853236}}</ref>

===Representative bodies===
{{Main|General Synod of the Church of England}}

The Church of England has a legislative body, General Synod. This can create two types of legislation, [[List of Church of England measures|measures]] and [[canon law|canons]]. Measures have to be approved but cannot be amended by the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British Parliament]] before receiving [[royal assent]] and becoming part of the law of England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/measures/|title=Summary of Church Assembly and General Synod Measures|date=November 2007|work=Church of England website|publisher=Archbishops' council of the Church of England|access-date=22 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213113814/http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/measures/|archive-date=13 February 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although it is the [[state religion|established]] church in England only, its measures must be approved by both Houses of Parliament including the non-English members. Canons require Royal Licence and Royal Assent, but form the law of the church, rather than the law of the land.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/|title=General Synod|work=Church of England website|publisher=Archbishops' council of the Church of England|access-date=5 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041112052103/http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/|archive-date=12 November 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Another assembly is the [[Convocations of Canterbury and York|Convocation of the English Clergy]], which is older than the General Synod and its predecessor the Church Assembly. By the [[Synodical Government Measure 1969]] almost all of the Convocations' functions were transferred to the General Synod. Additionally, there are [[Diocesan Synod]]s and [[Deanery#Anglican usage|deanery synods]], which are the governing bodies of the divisions of the Church.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}

===House of Lords===
{{Main|Lords Spiritual}}

Of the 42 diocesan [[archbishop]]s and bishops in the Church of England, 26 are permitted to sit in the [[House of Lords]]. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York automatically have seats, as do the bishops of [[Bishop of London|London]], [[Bishop of Durham|Durham]] and [[Bishop of Winchester|Winchester]]. The remaining 21 seats are filled in order of seniority by date of [[consecration]]. It may take a diocesan bishop a number of years to reach the House of Lords, at which point he or she becomes a [[Lords Spiritual|Lord Spiritual]]. The [[Bishop of Sodor and Man]] and the [[Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe]] are not eligible to sit in the House of Lords as their dioceses lie outside the United Kingdom.<ref>[http://www.parliament.uk/directories/house_of_lords_information_office/alphabetical_list_of_members.cfm House of Lords: alphabetical list of Members] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702053341/http://www.parliament.uk/directories/house_of_lords_information_office/alphabetical_list_of_members.cfm |date=2 July 2008}}. Retrieved 12 December 2008.</ref>

===Crown Dependencies===
Although they are not part of England or the United Kingdom, the Church of England is also the established church in the [[Crown Dependencies]] of the [[Isle of Man]], the [[Jersey|Bailiwick of Jersey]] and the [[Bailiwick of Guernsey]]. The Isle of Man has its own diocese of [[Sodor and Man]], and the [[Bishop of Sodor and Man]] is an ex officio member of the [[Legislative Council of the Isle of Man|legislative council]] of the [[Tynwald]] on the island.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gell|first1=Sir James|title=Gell on Manx Church|url=http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/manxsoc/msvol31/gell.htm|website=Isle of Man Online|publisher=IOM Online|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref> Historically the [[Channel Islands]] have been under the authority of the [[Bishop of Winchester]], but this authority has temporarily been delegated to the [[Bishop of Dover]] since 2015. In [[Jersey]] the [[Dean of Jersey]] is a non-voting member of the [[States of Jersey]]. In [[Guernsey]] the Church of England is the [[State religion|established church]], although the [[Dean of Guernsey]] is not a member of the [[States of Guernsey]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About|url=http://www.churchofengland.org.gg/about|website=Guernsey Deanery|publisher=Church of England}}</ref>

==Sexual abuse==
{{See also|Anglican Communion sexual abuse cases}}
The 2020 report from the [[Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse]] found several cases of sexual abuse within the Church of England, and concluded that the Church did not protect children from sexual abuse, and allowed abusers to hide.<ref name="IICSA 2020">{{cite web |last1=Jay |first1=Alexis |last2=Evans |first2=Malcolm |last3=Frank |first3=Ivor |last4=Sharpling |first4=Drusilla |date=October 2020 |title=The Anglican Church Investigation Report |url=https://www.iicsa.org.uk/publications/investigation/anglican-church |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009100138/https://www.iicsa.org.uk/publications/investigation/anglican-church |archive-date=9 October 2020 |access-date=10 July 2021 |website=iicsa.org.uk |publisher=[[Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse|Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)]]}}</ref><ref name="religionmediacentre-1">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=9 October 2019 |title=Sex Abuse in UK Christian Churches |url=https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/sex-abuse-in-christian-churches-in-the-uk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024044800/https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/sex-abuse-in-christian-churches-in-the-uk/ |archive-date=24 October 2019 |access-date=10 July 2021 |website=religionmediacentre.org.uk |publisher=Religion Media Centre |location=[[London]]}}</ref><ref name="religionmediacentre-2">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=4 October 2020 |title=Abuse and the Church of England – Timeline |url=https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/abuse-and-the-church-of-england-timeline/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130231554/https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/abuse-and-the-church-of-england-timeline/ |archive-date=30 November 2020 |access-date=10 July 2021 |website=religionmediacentre.org.uk |publisher=Religion Media Centre |location=[[London]]}}</ref> The Church spent more effort defending alleged abusers than supporting victims or protecting children and young people.<ref name="IICSA 2020" /> Allegations were not taken seriously, and in some cases clergymen were ordained even with a history of child sex abuse.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=6 October 2020 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54433295 |title=Church of England failures 'allowed child sexual abusers to hide' |work=[[BBC News]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006112518/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54433295 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |access-date=10 July 2021}}</ref> Bishop [[Peter Ball (bishop)|Peter Ball]] was convicted in October 2015 on several charges of [[indecent assault]] against young adult men.<ref name="religionmediacentre-1" /><ref name="religionmediacentre-2" /><ref name="sentence2015">{{cite news |last=Laville |first=Sandra |date=7 October 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/oct/07/bishop-peter-ball-escaped-charges-mps-royal-family-intervened-court |title=Bishop escaped abuse charges after MPs and a royal backed him, court told |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=[[London]] |eissn=1756-3224 |issn=0261-3077 |oclc=60623878 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013002015/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/oct/07/bishop-peter-ball-escaped-charges-mps-royal-family-intervened-court |archive-date=13 October 2015 |access-date=10 July 2021}}</ref>

In June 2023, the [[Archbishops' Council]] dismissed the three board members of the Independent Safeguarding Board, which was set up in 2021 "to hold the Church to account, publicly if needs be, for any failings which are preventing good safeguarding from happening". A statement issued by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York referred to there being "no prospect of resolving the disagreement and that it is getting in the way of the vital work of serving victims and survivors". [[Jasvinder Sanghera]] and Steve Reeves, the two independent members of the board, had complained about interference with their work by the Church.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Aleem|last1=Maqbool|first2=Steve|last2=Swann|title=21 June 2023 Church of England sacks independent abuse panel |work=BBC News |date=21 June 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65977524 |access-date=22 June 2023}}</ref> The Bishop of Birkenhead, [[Julie Conalty]], speaking to [[BBC Radio 4]] in connection with the dismissals, said: "I think culturally we are resistant as a church to accountability, to criticism. And therefore I don't entirely trust the church, even though I'm a key part of it and a leader within it, because I see the way the wind blows is always in a particular direction."<ref>{{cite news |first1=Steve|last1=Swann|first2=Richard|last2=Galpin|title=22 June 2023 'Church seems less safe' says bishop after abuse panel sacked |work=BBC News |date=22 June 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65990105 |access-date=22 June 2023}}</ref>

On 20 July 2023, it was announced that the archbishops of Canterbury and York had appointed [[Alexis Jay]] to provide proposals for an independent system of safeguarding for the Church of England.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sherwood |first1=Harriet |title=Alexis Jay warns she will quit C of E safeguarding role if there is interference|date=20 July 2023 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/20/alexis-jay-warns-will-quit-c-of-e-safeguarding-role-interference |website=The Guardian|access-date=21 July 2023}}</ref>

In February 2025, the General Synod voted not to make safeguarding the responsibiity of an independent body, to the dismay of many.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Cathy |date=2025-02-16 |title=The CofE is at a crossroads. A radical solution could be its saviour |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/7ea274e4-ff03-482b-be88-72811cd320d9 |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=[[The Times]] |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2025, the Church of England announced it would take forward the clergy disciplinary measure process against 10 clergy, following the Makin Review of the serial abuser [[John Smyth (barrister)|John Smyth]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Maqbool |first1=Aleem |last2=Swann |first2=Steve |date=2025-02-25 |title=Ten Church of England clergy facing disciplinary action over abuse report |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg5dyyq6v86o |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=}}</ref>

==Funding and finances==
{{Main|Properties and finances of the Church of England}}

Although an established church, the Church of England does not receive any direct government support, except some funding for building work. Donations comprise its largest source of income, and it also relies heavily on the income from its various historic endowments. In 2005, the Church of England had estimated total outgoings of around £900&nbsp;million.<ref>[http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/funding/ outgoings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112115720/http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/funding/ |date=12 November 2006}}. Cofe.anglican.org.</ref>

The Church of England manages an [[investment portfolio]] which is worth more than £8&nbsp;billion.<ref>"Citing ethics, Anglicans sell stake in News Corp" by Eric Pfanner, ''[[The New York Times]]'', 8 August 2012.</ref>

==Online church directories==
The Church of England runs ''A Church Near You'', an online directory of churches. A user-edited resource, it currently lists more than 16,000 churches and has 20,000 editors in 42 dioceses.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Church Near You Help|url=http://www.achurchnearyou.com/help/|website=achurchnearyou.com|publisher=A Church Near You|access-date=25 December 2015|archive-date=25 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225013821/http://www.achurchnearyou.com/help/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The directory enables parishes to maintain accurate location, contact and event information, which is shared with other websites and [[mobile app]]s. The site allows the public to find their local worshipping community, and offers churches free resources,<ref name="A Church Near You">{{cite web |title=A Church Near You Resource Hub |url=https://www.achurchnearyou.com/hub/ |website=achurchnearyou.com |publisher=A Church Near You |access-date=6 May 2021}}</ref> such as hymns, videos and social media graphics.

The ''Church Heritage Record'' includes information on over 16,000 church buildings, including architectural history, archaeology, art history, and the surrounding natural environment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About the Church Heritage Record|url=https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/about-the-church-heritage-record|url-status=live|access-date=9 December 2021|website=facultyonline.churchofengland.org|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703135457/https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/about-the-church-heritage-record |archive-date=3 July 2017 }}</ref> It can be searched by elements including church name, diocese, date of construction, footprint size, [[listed building|listing grade]], and church type. The types of church identified include:
*Major Parish Church: "some of the most special, significant and well-loved places of worship in England", having "most of all" of the characteristics of being large (over 1,000msq), [[listed building|listed]] (generally grade I or II*), having "exceptional significance and/or issues necessitating a conservation management plan" and having a local role beyond that of an average parish church. {{As of|December 2021}} there are 312 such churches in the database.<ref name="mpc">{{cite web |title=Major Parish Churches |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/diocesan-resources/strategic-planning-church-buildings/major-parish-churches |website=The Church of England |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="chr-mpc">{{cite web|title=Church Heritage Record: Search on "Major Parish Church"|url=https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/churches?grade=&period=&name=&diocese=&buildingatrisk=&footprint=&recordtype=3|url-status=live|access-date=9 December 2021|website=facultyonline.churchofengland.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208171621/https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/churches?grade=&period=&name=&diocese=&buildingatrisk=&footprint=&recordtype=3 |archive-date=8 December 2021 }}</ref> These churches are eligible to join the [[Major Churches Network]].
*Festival Church: a church not used for weekly services but used for occasional services and other events.<ref name="festival">{{cite web |title=Festival churches |url=https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/diocesan-resources/strategic-planning-church-buildings/festival-churches |website=The Church of England |access-date=9 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref> These churches are eligible to join the Association of Festival Churches.<ref name="afc">{{cite web |title=The Association of Festival Churches |url=https://afchurches.org/ |access-date=9 December 2021 |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209084413/https://afchurches.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{As of|December 2021}} there are 19 such churches in the database.<ref name="chr-fc">{{cite web |title=Church Heritage Record: Search on "Festival Church" |url=https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/churches?grade=&period=&name=&diocese=&buildingatrisk=&footprint=&recordtype=7 |website=facultyonline.churchofengland.org |access-date=9 December 2021}}</ref>
*CCT Church: a church under the care of the [[Churches Conservation Trust]]. {{As of|December 2021}} there are 345 such churches in the database.<ref name="chr-cct">{{cite web |title=Church Heritage Record: Search on "CCT Church" |url=https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/churches?grade=&period=&name=&diocese=&buildingatrisk=&footprint=&recordtype=10 |website=facultyonline.churchofengland.org |access-date=9 December 2021}}</ref>
*Friendless Church: {{As of|December 2021|lc=y}} there are 24 such churches in the database;<ref name="chr-friendless">{{cite web |title=Church Heritage Record: Search on "Friendless Church" |url=https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/churches?grade=&period=&name=&diocese=&buildingatrisk=&footprint=&recordtype=11 |website=facultyonline.churchofengland.org |access-date=9 December 2021}}</ref> the [[Friends of Friendless Churches]] cares for 60 churches across England and Wales.<ref name="ffc-about">{{cite web |title=About us |url=https://friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/about-us/ |website=Friends of Friendless Churches |access-date=9 December 2021}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Christianity|England}}
* [[Acts of Supremacy]]
* [[Apostolicae curae]]
* [[Architecture of the medieval cathedrals of England]]
* [[Anglican Communion sexual abuse cases]]
* [[Church Commissioners]]
* [[Church of England Newspaper]]
* [[Disestablishmentarianism]]
* [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]]
* [[English Covenant]]
* [[English Reformation]]
* [[Historical development of Church of England dioceses]]
* [[List of archdeacons in the Church of England]]
* [[List of bishops in the Church of England]]
* [[List of the first 32 women ordained as Church of England priests]]
* [[List of the largest Protestant bodies]]
* [[Mothers' Union]]
* [[Properties and finances of the Church of England]]
* [[Ritualism in the Church of England]]
* [[Women and the Church]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Cowart |editor1-first=John Wilson |editor2-last=Knappen |editor2-first=M. M. |title=The Diary Of Samuel Ward, A Translator Of The 1611 King James Bible |publisher=Bluefish Books |year=2007|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tC1kuaetNqoC}}
* {{cite book | last = Hefling | first =  Charles | title = The Book of Common Prayer: A Guide | publisher = Oxford University Press | series = Guides to Sacred Texts | year = 2021 | doi = 10.1093/oso/9780190689681.001.0001 | isbn = 9780190689681}}
* {{cite book |last=Helmholz |first=R. H. |title=Judicial tribunals in England and Europe, 1200–1700: The trial in history |editor-last=Mulholland |editor-first=Maureen |volume=I |chapter=Judges and trials in the English ecclesiastical courts |jstor=j.ctt155jbq3 |chapter-url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt155jbq3.12 |publisher=Manchester University Press |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-7190-6342-8}}
* {{cite journal|last=King|first=Peter|date=July 1968|title=The Episcopate during the Civil Wars, 1642-1649|journal=[[The English Historical Review]]|publisher=Oxford University Press|volume=83|issue=328|pages=523–537|doi=10.1093/ehr/lxxxiii.cccxxviii.523|jstor=564164}}
* {{cite book |last=MacCulloch |first=Diarmid |publisher=Palgrave |year=1990 |doi=10.1007/978-1-349-20692-6 |author-link=Diarmaid MacCulloch |title=The Later Reformation in England 1547–1603|isbn=978-0-333-41929-8 |s2cid=142734652 }}
* {{cite book | last = MacCulloch | first = Diarmaid | author-link = Diarmaid MacCulloch | title = Thomas Cranmer: A Life | url = https://archive.org/details/thomascranmerlif0000macc | url-access = registration | publisher = Yale University Press | edition = revised | year = 1996 | location = London | isbn = 9780300226577}}
* {{cite book | last = Marshall | first = Peter | author-link = | title = Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation | publisher = Yale University Press | edition = | date = 2017a | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=M7S_DgAAQBAJ | isbn = 978-0300170627}}
* {{cite book |last=Marshall |first=Peter |chapter=Settlement Patterns: The Church of England, 1553–1603 |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199639731.001.0001 |chapter-url=https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199639731.003.0003 |year=2017b |title=The Oxford History of Anglicanism |volume=1: Reformation and Identity, c. 1520–1662 |editor-last=Milton |editor-first=Anthony |publisher=Oxford University Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WfODQAAQBAJ |isbn=9780199639731}}
* {{cite book | last = Moorman | first = John R. H. | author-link = John Moorman | title = A History of the Church in England | publisher = Morehouse Publishing | edition = 3rd | year = 1973 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=TdnFzfzpOxsC | isbn = 978-0819214065}}
* {{cite book |last=Shagan |first=Ethan H. |chapter=The Emergence of the Church of England, c. 1520–1553 |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199639731.001.0001 |chapter-url=https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199639731.003.0002 |year=2017 |title=The Oxford History of Anglicanism |volume=1: Reformation and Identity, c. 1520–1662 |editor-last=Milton |editor-first=Anthony |publisher=Oxford University Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1WfODQAAQBAJ |isbn=9780199639731}}
* {{cite book|last1=Shepherd, Jr.|first1=Massey H.|last2=Martin|first2=Dale B.|year=2005|chapter=Anglicanism|title=Encyclopedia of Religion|volume=1|edition=2nd.|editor-last=Jones|editor-first=Lindsay|location=Detroit|publisher=Macmillan Reference USA}}
* {{cite book |last1=Spurr |first1=John |title=English Puritanism, 1603–1689 |publisher=Palgrave |year=1998 |isbn=978-0333601884 |doi=10.1007/978-1-349-26854-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Wedgwood |first=C.V. |year=1983 |orig-date=1958 |edition=1983 |title=The King's War, 1641–1647  |publisher=Penguin Classics|isbn=978-0-14-006991-4}}

==Further reading==
* Buchanan, Colin. ''Historical Dictionary of Anglicanism'' (2nd ed. 2015) [https://www.amazon.com/Historical-Dictionary-Anglicanism-Dictionaries-Philosophies/dp/1442250151 excerpt]
* Garbett, Cyril, Abp. ''The Church of England Today''. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1953. 128 p.
*Moorman, James. A History of the Church in England. 1 June 1980. Publisher: MOREHOUSE PUBLISHING.
*Hardwick, Joseph. ''An Anglican British world: The Church of England and the expansion of the settler empire, c. 1790–1860'' (Manchester UP, 2014).
* Hodges, J. P. ''The Nature of the Lion: Elizabeth I and Our Anglican Heritage''. London: Faith Press, 1962. 153 pp.
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= England, The Church of | volume= 9 |last1= Hunt |first1= William |author1-link= William Hunt (priest, born 1842) | pages = 442–454 |short=1}}
* Kirby, James. ''Historians and the Church of England: Religion and Historical Scholarship, 1870–1920'' (2016) online at {{doi|10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198768159.001.0001}}
* Lawson, Tom. ''God and War: The Church of England and Armed Conflict in the Twentieth Century'' (Routledge, 2016).
* Maughan Steven S. ''Mighty England Do Good: Culture, Faith, Empire, and World in the Foreign Missions of the Church of England, 1850–1915'' (2014)
* Picton, Hervé. ''A Short History of the Church of England: From the Reformation to the Present Day''. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2015. 180 p.
* Rowlands, John Henry Lewis. ''Church, State, and Society, 1827–1845: the Attitudes of John Keble, Richard Hurrell Froude, and John Henry Newman''. (1989). xi, 262 p. {{ISBN|1-85093-132-1}}
* Tapsell, Grant. ''The later Stuart Church, 1660–1714'' (2012).
*Milton, Anthony. The Oxford History of Anglicanism, 5 Vols, 2017.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Church of England}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://anglicanhistory.org/england/ Historical resources on the Church of England] at anglicanhistory.org
* {{Librivox author |id=15729}}
* The History Files: [https://www.historyfiles.co.uk/MainChurchesIndex.htm Churches of the British Isles], a gallery of church photos and information
*[https://www.iicsa.org.uk/publications/investigation/anglican-church The Anglican Church Investigation Report] Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, October 2020

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