The Church Union facts for kids
The Church Union is a special group within the Church of England. It supports a part of the church called Anglo-Catholicism. This group works to speak up for its beliefs and members.
Contents
How the Church Union Started
The Church Union began on May 12, 1859. It was first called the Church of England Protection Society. Its main goal was to challenge the power of regular courts in England. These courts were trying to decide on church teachings and rules.
In May 1860, the group changed its name. It became known as the English Church Union.
Protecting Church Leaders
The group became very active in defending Anglo-Catholic priests. These priests included people like Arthur Tooth, Sidney Faithorn Green, and Richard William Enraght. They faced legal problems because of a law passed in 1874. This law was called the Public Worship Regulation Act 1874.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Archibald Campbell Tait, helped pass this law. He wanted to limit the growing Oxford Movement. This movement was making changes in church practices. The Prime Minister at the time, Benjamin Disraeli, also supported the new law.
A Famous Court Case
One of the most well-known attempts to use the 1874 law happened in 1888. It was against the Bishop of Lincoln, Edward King. He was a very respected church leader.
To protect Bishop King, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Edward Benson, did something special. He brought back his own church court. This court had not been used since 1699. By doing this, he stopped Bishop King from being judged in a regular, non-church court.
Changes Over Time
These types of court cases against church leaders stopped in 1906. This happened after a special group, called a Royal Commission, looked into the matter. They agreed that different ways of worship should be allowed in the church.
However, the 1874 law was not officially removed until 1963. This was done by a new rule called the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963.
In 1933, the English Church Union joined with another group. This group was called the Anglo-Catholic Congress. Together, they formed the Church Union we know today.
See also
- Catholic Societies of the Church of England
- American Church Union
- Swedish Church Union
