Anglican Church of Ireland
The Anglican Church of Ireland is a self-governing member of the global Anglican Communion, which includes churches that trace their roots back to the Church of England. It is distinct as the national church of Ireland, both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
History
The origins of the Church of Ireland date back to the arrival of Christianity in Ireland around the 5th century, primarily through the efforts of figures such as Saint Patrick. The church became part of the Roman Catholic Church until the Reformation in the 16th century, when it separated and assumed a Protestant character as part of the larger English Reformation.
The Church of Ireland adopted the Reformation principles, while maintaining elements of Catholic tradition, which is reflected in its self-identification as both Reformed and Catholic. This dual identity remains a central feature of its doctrine and practice.
Structure
The Church of Ireland maintains an episcopal governance, similar to other Anglican churches. It is organized into a system of geographical parishes and dioceses. Historically, there were more than 30 dioceses grouped into four provinces, but reforms such as the Church Temporalities (Ireland) Act 1833 reduced these to 12. Today, the church comprises 11 dioceses or united dioceses, grouped into two provinces: Armagh and Dublin, each headed by a bishop.
Beliefs and Practices
The Church of Ireland incorporates many principles of the Reformation, particularly those from the English Reformation. It allows for a range of worship styles, from High Church, which is more formal and liturgical, to Low Church, which is more evangelical. This diversity is reflected in the different approaches individual parishes take in their services.
As a member of the Anglican Communion, the Church of Ireland adheres to the Jerusalem Statement and Declaration of 2008, emphasizing fidelity to the biblical gospel and maintaining communion with global Anglicanism. It also participates in numerous ecumenical bodies, including the World Council of Churches and the Irish Council of Churches.
Membership and Attendance
As of the latest figures, the Church of Ireland has approximately 384,176 total members, with about 58,000 active baptized members. The average Sunday attendance stands at 58,257, with significant variations across dioceses. The Province of Armagh accounts for a substantial part of this attendance, reflecting both historical and contemporary demographics.