Correct me if I’m wrong, but the only reason the Anglican church exists at all is because ol’ Henry couldn’t keep it in his pants.
Seems to me that they never shoulda left Rome, so this makes sense.
It is the only branch of Protestantism with Apostolic Succession. That worked for a while.
I would think these guys would be a little uncomfortable forsaking the national church of their country, however unsatisfactory.
“Correct me if I’m wrong,”
You’re wrong.
“Seems to me that they never shoulda left Rome, so this makes sense.”
I think the proper admonition is that they never should have had to leave Rome. They did, and they did.
This is meant as no slight to the todays RCC, but in Henry’s time they were the center of much political intrigue. Rome openly favored Spain, and by refusing to replace English Bishops, funds went straight to Rome instead of remaining in the respective Dioceses in England.
Henry really had little choice but to break with Rome. He did what was best for England. To be sure he had is own personal reasons, but Rome typically allowed folks to buy their way out of most any personal jam, especially monarchs - they refused Henry for aforementioned political reasons.
I’m not trying to start a religious war - I am happy for anyone who finds solace in a conversion to the RCC (or any other faith).
The traditional Anglican faith is a beautiful one, and I will not give it up.
Cheers.
Henry might have been a beastly man, but he didn't create the Church of England on his own. He didn't just give an order to his Catholic bishops, and then they immediately threw up their hands and said "What ever you say Henry." Reform movements had been winding through Catholic England for several centuries starting with John Wycliffe in the 14th century who translated the Bible into English. By the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation was in full swing on the continent of Europe. Many Catholic priests in England fell under the sway of Protestant ideas. These priests wanted reforms in liturgy and independence from Rome. When Rome refused the annulment of Henry's marriage, English Catholic priests came to his aid. All the king had to do was break with Rome and these reformists priests would grant him his annulment. After all, they told Henry, the Old Testament forbids that a man should marry his brother's wife.
Such is history, but on another matter, I do wonder when the Italian state is going to give the Papal States back to Pope.