Thirty-Nine Articles facts for kids

The Thirty-Nine Articles are important historical statements of what Anglicans believe. They are not a full list of all Christian beliefs. Instead, they explain the views of the Church of England. They show how the Church of England was different from the Roman Catholic Church and other Protestant groups at the time.

History of the Articles

The Thirty-Nine Articles were created in 1563. This happened during the time when Queen Elizabeth I ruled England. Archbishop Matthew Parker helped to create them.

These articles were based on an earlier set called the Forty-Two Articles. Those were written in 1552 by Thomas Cranmer. They were approved when Edward VI of England was king in 1553.

Today, you can find the Thirty-Nine Articles in the Book of Common Prayer. This is a special book used in Anglican churches. In the Church of England, priests, deacons, and bishops must agree with these Articles. They promise that the Articles match the "Word of God." However, other Anglican churches around the world do not always require this promise.

The Articles were needed because people in England disagreed about Protestantism. To keep the church united, they needed a clear list of core beliefs. This helped to define what the Church of England stood for.

How the Articles Are Accepted Today

Outside of the Church of England, different Anglican churches view the Thirty-Nine Articles in various ways. For example, the Episcopal Church in the United States sees them as an important historical paper. However, they do not make their members follow every rule in them.

In the 18th century, an Anglican priest named John Wesley changed the Thirty-Nine Articles. He made new ones for Methodists in America. These new Articles of Religion are still the official beliefs of the United Methodist Church.

Images for kids

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  One of the final drafts of the Six articles (1539), amended in King Henry VIII's own hand

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  The Book of Common Prayer of 1662 included the Thirty-nine Articles.

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  Thomas Cranmer helped write the earlier Bishop's Book.

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  Elizabeth I, during whose reign the Thirty-nine Articles were passed.

See also

In Spanish: Treinta y nueve artículos para niños