Anglican Church Origins rooted in 16th-Century Royal Dispute
LONDON – The Anglican Church, a globally influential denomination with an estimated 77 to 85 million adherents as of today, October 3, 2025, traces its beginnings to a pivotal break with the Roman Catholic Church initiated by England‘s King Henry VIII in 1533. The schism arose from the Pope’s refusal to annul henry VIII’s marriage, a decision that dramatically reshaped the religious landscape of England and ultimately led to the formation of a new state church.
The establishment of the Anglican Church wasn’t driven by theological disagreement initially, but by a dynastic crisis.Henry VIII,seeking a male heir,desired to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. When Pope Clement VII denied his request for an annulment,Henry VIII asserted royal supremacy over the Church in England,effectively severing ties with Rome and declaring himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This act fundamentally altered religious authority within the kingdom.
Today, the Anglican Church encompasses 42 independent church provinces beyond England, including significant communities in the United States, Australia, and across numerous African nations, alongside five additional autonomous churches. The church continues to navigate evolving social and theological issues while maintaining a historical connection to its 16th-century origins.
