WHO ARE ANGLICANS?

First and foremost, Anglicans are Christians—followers of Jesus Christ who share the historic faith of the Church. Together, we belong to one of the world’s largest Christian families, embracing tens of millions of people across many cultures, languages, and nations.

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WHAT’S IN THE NAME?

The word Anglican comes from the Angles, one of the ancient peoples who settled in Britain. Their land became known as England—the “land of the Angles”—and the Christian Church there became known as the Anglican Church.

And no—the name has nothing to do with angels!

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A GLOBAL CHURCH

The short answer is: everywhere.

Through migration, mission, and the complicated history of the British Empire, Anglican Christianity spread around the world. Today, Anglican churches can be found in more than 165 countries.

Although Anglicanism has historical roots in England, its center of gravity has shifted dramatically. Much of the Anglican Communion now lives and worships in Africa and throughout the Global South. Anglicanism is truly a worldwide expression of the Christian faith.

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THREE STREAMS | ONE CHURCH 

At Andover Community Church, our worship and life draw from three great streams of Christian faith and practice. These streams are not separate from one another; they flow together as one life in Christ.

• SCRIPTURE — Evangelical

  • We receive the Bible as God’s Word and the foundation for our faith and life. We proclaim salvation through Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and the Good News of his death and resurrection.

• SPIRIT — Charismatic

  • We welcome the presence, power, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. We pray expectantly, worship freely, and seek the Spirit’s guidance in our daily lives and shared ministry.

• SACRAMENT — Traditional

  • We treasure the historic worship and practices of the Church. We follow the Christian year, worship with the Book of Common Prayer, and receive Baptism and Holy Communion as central gifts of God’s grace. Together, these three streams help us remain rooted in Scripture, alive to the Holy Spirit, and nourished by Sacrament.

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Our beliefs are grounded in historic, biblically orthodox Christian faith.

To read or download To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism, click the link below.

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For accessible articles about Anglican beliefs, worship, history, and everyday church life, visit Anglican Compass.

EXPLORE ANGLICAN COMPASS