Hi Chris,
The Catholic Church was founded 2000 years ago by Jesus Christ upon Peter
the Rock.
The Church of England was founded 400 years ago by Henry VIII
King of England so that he could get a divorce and remarry.
First, Henry led his people into schism, and then the Church of England
fell into heresy after heresy. Apostolic Succession was interrupted because
bishops and priests were not ordained in a valid manner. Hence, the Sacraments
administered in the Church of England are all illicit and because their
Holy Orders is invalid, their Eucharistic celebration is
not only illicit, but invalid, along with any sacramental absolution they
attempt to administer.
The Church of England back then had it's own internal schisms. Today,
you have:
- the high Church, which is ceremonially similar to the Catholic Church,
and
- the low Church which is more in keeping with "Reform" theology.
- Finally, you have a broad Church in which practically anything goes.
All that said, there are many devout Christians in the Church of England.
There are also many devout ministers to be found there. We do share many
articles of faith, among them are:
- the belief in the Trinity and
- Salvation by Grace.
Hope this helps,
John
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