Ritualism in the Church of England

Lore & Background

The development of ritualism in the Church of England was mainly associated with the second generation of Anglo-Catholicism after 1845, when John Henry Newman left the Church of England. Leaders of the first generation, such as Newman, Edward Bouverie Pusey, and John Keble, had focused on theological and ecclesiological questions, arguing that the Church of England was fundamentally Catholic. They championed the Book of Common Prayer and opposed its revision, as seen in Tract 3 of the Tracts for the Times. However, the shift to liturgical questions proved provocative, and Pusey, though initially unsympathetic, later supported priests prosecuted under the Public Worship Regulation Act 1874.

Reader's Guide

Ritualism's significance lies in its attempt to give liturgical expression to the belief that the Church of England is more Catholic than Protestant. Supporters argued it would express the Real Presence, engage worshippers through all senses, and be effective for visual cultures or low literacy rates. Opponents claimed it promoted idolatry, undermined Protestant identity, and downgraded preaching. Controversial practices included the 'six points': Eucharistic vestments, incense, six altar candles, unleavened bread, eastward-facing celebration, and mixing wine with water. Other practices involved using the term 'Mass', bells at elevation, processions, statues, and veneration of saints. The debate was shaped by opposing attitudes toward sola scriptura and biblical authority. Ritualism's legacy includes ongoing tensions within Anglicanism over worship style and identity.

Did You Know?

• The term 'ritualist' is often rejected by those to whom it is applied.
• The 'six points' of ritualist practice included the use of a thurible and incense.
• Ritualism was associated with the second generation of the Oxford Movement after 1845.
• The Public Worship Regulation Act 1874 led to prosecutions and imprisonment of some priests.