March 11, 2026

Many people searching for a Catholic church in Rock Hill, SC are sometimes surprised to discover the Anglican Church. Anglican churches share many historic traditions with Catholicism—such as liturgical worship, weekly communion, and ancient creeds—yet there are several important differences.

At Resurrection Anglican Church in Rock Hill, SC, we often meet people who are curious about these differences. Below are ten helpful distinctions between the Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions.

1. Authority in the Church

One of the primary differences is church authority.

The Roman Catholic Church recognizes the Pope as the supreme earthly authority of the church.

The Anglican Church does not recognize the Pope as head of the church. Instead, Anglicans believe authority is found in Scripture first, interpreted through the historic teachings of the church and guided by bishops.

2. Scripture as the Highest Authority

Anglicans emphasize the principle that Holy Scripture is the ultimate authority for faith and practice.

While the Catholic Church also values Scripture deeply, it places equal authority on Sacred Tradition and the teaching authority of the Church (the Magisterium).

Anglicans affirm the historic teachings of the church but believe Scripture remains the final authority.

3. The Role of the Pope

Catholics believe the Pope is the successor of the Apostle Peter and the visible head of the universal church.

Anglicans respect the historical role of the Bishop of Rome but do not accept papal supremacy or infallibility.

Instead, Anglican churches are governed by bishops within a broader communion of churches.

4. Clergy Marriage

Another noticeable difference involves clergy.

In the Roman Catholic Church, priests typically take vows of celibacy.

In the Anglican Church, priests and bishops may marry. Many Anglican pastors have families and children.

At Resurrection Anglican Church in Rock Hill, our clergy may serve faithfully while also living family life.

5. Salvation and Grace

Both traditions believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone, but they sometimes articulate this differently.

Anglicans emphasize that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, while also affirming the importance of good works as the fruit of faith.

Catholic theology tends to emphasize a cooperative process of grace through the sacraments and the life of the church.

6. The Number of Sacraments

The Roman Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments.

The Anglican Church traditionally emphasizes two primary sacraments instituted by Christ:

• Baptism
• Holy Communion

Anglicans still recognize other sacred rites such as confirmation, marriage, and ordination, but they are not placed on the same level as the two Gospel sacraments.

7. Confession Practices

Catholics often practice regular confession to a priest as a sacrament.

Anglicans believe confession can be helpful but summarize the practice with a famous phrase:

“All may, some should, none must.”

Private confession is available but not required for forgiveness of sins.

8. Worship Style

Both traditions share liturgical worship, meaning services follow structured prayers, Scripture readings, and communion.

Anglican worship often comes from the historic Book of Common Prayer, which shapes the rhythm of worship, prayer, and Scripture reading.

Visitors to Resurrection Anglican Church in Rock Hill, SC will notice the service feels historic, reverent, and centered on Scripture.

9. Church Structure

Catholicism is highly centralized under the Vatican.

Anglican churches are organized under bishops but operate with more local governance, often involving clergy and lay leadership working together.

10. The Reformation Heritage

The Anglican Church emerged during the English Reformation in the 16th century.

Because of this, Anglicanism is sometimes described as a “bridge tradition”:

• rooted in the ancient catholic church
• shaped by the biblical reforms of the Protestant Reformation

This means Anglican churches often feel both historic and deeply rooted in Scripture.

Looking for an Anglican Church in Rock Hill, SC?

If you are searching for a Catholic-style church in Rock Hill but want to explore the Anglican tradition, we would love to meet you.

At Resurrection Anglican Church in Rock Hill, SC, you will find:

• Historic Christian worship
• Weekly Holy Communion
• Faithful biblical teaching
• A welcoming community

Whether you come from a Catholic background, Protestant background, or no church background at all, you are welcome to visit and worship with us.