Mark Henderson answered
Yes, the Queen of England (Elizabeth II) is indeed the head of the Anglican Church.
The Supreme Governor of the Church of England
In this role the British monarch has the title: Supreme Governor of the Church of England. In modern times, the role has largely become a ceremonial and symbolic duty, as most of the actual power lies with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who advises the monarch on appointments.
The Church of Scotland
The British monarch is also a member, but not leader of the Church of Scotland. In this capacity the monarch appoints the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland who holds a ceremonial role in the church. Sometimes the monarch can undertake this role as Elizabeth II did for her silver and golden Jubilee years of 1977 and 2002 respectively.
The Anglican Church
In 1536 Henry VIII declared the establishment of the Church of England and seized the Catholic church's land and assets in England. This was because the pope vetoed Henry's wish to have his marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled so that he could marry Anne Boleyn.
This event started the ball rolling for the English Reformation: A process of rejecting the Catholicism dictated to England from the Vatican. Henry VIII was the first head of the Anglican Church, and since then every English/British monarch has held the position.
The Supreme Governor of the Church of England
In this role the British monarch has the title: Supreme Governor of the Church of England. In modern times, the role has largely become a ceremonial and symbolic duty, as most of the actual power lies with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who advises the monarch on appointments.
- The British monarch automatically becomes Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
- The Supreme Governor's position is largely symbolic and ceremonial in nature.
- The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom decides who to appoint to leadership positions within the church and informs the monarch, who makes the appointment formally.
The Church of Scotland
The British monarch is also a member, but not leader of the Church of Scotland. In this capacity the monarch appoints the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland who holds a ceremonial role in the church. Sometimes the monarch can undertake this role as Elizabeth II did for her silver and golden Jubilee years of 1977 and 2002 respectively.
The Anglican Church
In 1536 Henry VIII declared the establishment of the Church of England and seized the Catholic church's land and assets in England. This was because the pope vetoed Henry's wish to have his marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled so that he could marry Anne Boleyn.
This event started the ball rolling for the English Reformation: A process of rejecting the Catholicism dictated to England from the Vatican. Henry VIII was the first head of the Anglican Church, and since then every English/British monarch has held the position.
