The Church Union facts for kids
The Church Union is a special group within the Church of England. It supports a style of worship and belief known as Anglo-Catholicism. Think of it as a club that helps promote certain traditions and practices within the church.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Church Union
Starting Out: The Early Years
The Church Union started a long time ago, on May 12, 1859. It was first called the Church of England Protection Society. Its main goal was to challenge the idea that regular courts could decide on church teachings. A year later, in May 1860, its name changed to the English Church Union.
Standing Up for Beliefs: Legal Challenges
The group became very active in defending priests who were Anglo-Catholic. These priests, like Arthur Tooth, Sidney Faithorn Green, and Richard William Enraght, faced legal trouble. This was because of a law passed in 1874 called the Public Worship Regulation Act 1874.
This law was created by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archibald Campbell Tait. He wanted to limit a growing movement within the church called the Oxford Movement. The Prime Minister at the time, Benjamin Disraeli, also supported this law.
One famous legal case happened in 1888. It was against the Bishop of Lincoln, Edward King. To avoid King being tried in a regular court, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Edward Benson, brought back his own special church court. This court had not been used since 1699!
These legal challenges finally stopped in 1906. This happened after a special group, called a Royal Commission, said it was okay for churches to have different ways of worshipping. The 1874 law was not officially removed until 1963.
A New Chapter: Mergers and Magazines
In 1933, the English Church Union joined forces with another group called the Anglo-Catholic Congress. Together, they formed the Church Union we know today. The Church Union also publishes its own magazine, which is called the Church Observer.
See also
- Catholic Societies of the Church of England
- American Church Union
- Swedish Church Union
