We are often asked to clarify what is meant by Anglican Traditions as this is an area frequently mentioned in Inspection Reports. The Anglican Church is often described as a very broad church, which means that there is a wide variety of ways used to 'be Anglican'.
In England the Anglican Church is often called the Church of England. Anglicans have always combined their belief in the authority of Scripture with a respect for traditions, some of which include:
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The Bible - the Holy Scriptures of Christianity, 'the word of God', divided into the Old and New Testaments - as a source book for inspiration, themes and stories
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The Creeds - statements of belief used by nearly all Christian Churches - a summary of what Christians believe about God - 'I believe.....'
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The Sacraments - Baptism and Holy Communion (Eucharist) both of which Jesus instructed us to do - a ceremony with a visible sign of a gift to a person from God
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Liturgy - any ordered act of worship
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Seasons/Calendar - the cycle of the Church's Year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Saints Days
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Prayer - time for reflection, time for silence, time for awe and wonder, traditional prayers, The Lord's Prayer, The Grace
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Vestments - religious robes as symbols of spiritual significance, including liturgical colours
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Symbols - including cross, candles, bread and wine, lamb, Incense, making the sign of the cross
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Icon - a religious picture intended to help people pray
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Music - to praise God, to pray, to reflect
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Sentences - The Lord is here / His Spirit is with us; Peace be with you / and also with you, etc.