Via Media

Via media is the term used by Anglicans to describe themselves as the middle way between catholicism and protestantism. (The recent developments regarding the filioque clause indicate an acceptance of orthodoxy while maintaining the catholic and protestant view.)

As I have grown over the years spiritually I see why people become Anglican especially if they have English heritage, if you want to be conservative you join an evangelical Anglican church, if you want to be liberal join the episcopal church. The terms both Catholic and Protestant, Apostolic and Orthodox are valid. (infact I view the Church of England as anglo-orthodoxy! If you have English ancestry the book of common prayer is your inheritance, your birthright!)

Some facts. The Church of England is mentioned in the magna carta. (The Celtic church even pre dates the Catholic church in England.) The archbishop is a line that is apostolic beginning with Augustine, the Anglican communion is Catholic by nature and protestant by reformation but also existed in England before, as mentioned in the magna carta there was Christianity in the British isles before the Catholic church was even established. Didn't king Henry actually want an annulment not a divorce which is allowed but was declined for political reasons. (Not defending his other actions that took place after he had an injury jousting which impacted his mental health.) Henry VIII was indeed a skilled theologian and writer. He even wrote a treatise defending the seven sacraments against Martin Luther's criticisms, earning him the title "Defender of the Faith" from the Pope in 1521.

Even if it's not the true Church or let's say even if there's not a true Church per se, it's still the best thing out there in terms of overall Christian unity, there's a place for anyone from high church to charismatic, evangelical segments are in all parishes. Isn't the point of the Church that we may be one, isn't this a sign of the true Church. A sacramental Church where Christ is real and present in the Eucharist.