Why is the queen/ king of UK also lead the anglikan church?

Question

I think, recently the morality of royal families does not show a good image for common people

Answer 1

Henry the VIII sought a divorce; that much other respondents have told you.

The importance of a divorce was that of securing a male heir to the throne, because there wasn't a precedent for the accession of a female heir, who would have been considered inferior rulers. (Like Elizabeth 1.....yeah....right!)

The other important factor was the obscene wealth of the catholic church, controlled from Rome, which acted as internatonal banker and demanded huge amounts of money from other states (The Vatican being a principality and a separate state within a state, as it still is today).

Henry VIII therefore dissolved the catholic church, sacked the monastaries, refused to pay money to Rome, grabbed all the loot, took back all the land owned by the church and set himself up as "Defender of the faith" ie; the most supreme bishop in the church.

Consequently, the newly formed "Church of England" (part of the Protestant revolution which swept through Northern Europe) was established as the official church, with the bishops and clergy swearing allegiance not only to God, but also to the monarch as the supreme bishop and first statesman.

That remains to this day, and the "morality" question is actually quite important regarding the succession of Charles as monarch.

You may recall that one heir to the throne abdicated, because he was in love with a divorced woman, and was therefore guilty of making her an adulterer.

Charles himself is a self-confessed adulterer, and is now married to a previously divorced woman, Camilla.

On that basis, there could be objections to him becoming King, and there probably will be.

It is for this reason that Charles has sought to change the laws of the monarchical constitution, and be declared "Defender of Faiths" rather than simply the head of the Church of England, as monarch and supreme bishop.

As things stand, it is quite likely that Charles could be denied the throne, which would then pass to Prince William, as the eldest of the current monarch's grandchildren.

Clear as mud, eh?

Answer 2

Quite a ways back (would have to look up the year) King Henry the VIII wanted an annulment or divorce from his wife at the time (again don't remember which one)... and the Pope refused.

As a result King Henry confiscated Catholic property, and declared himself the papal equivalent of a new church - the Anglican church (angl = engl so essentially the English church or more properly, the Church of England)

Archbishop of Canterbury is the technical head of the church as I recall - King or Queen is sort of like the pope.

So in short - its all about history...

-dh

Answer 3

It's because the UK is not a secular country. This does not stop the government mouthing off about countries which it claims to be sectarian. In the UK only Church of England churches are allowed to ring bells to announce church services. Don't know where morality comes into it. Some of the Popes haven't been too saintly!

Answer 4

Recently? Have you actually looked at the history of the Royal Family? Their recent behaviour isn't really any worse than any other period in history and even if the Royal Family in general has been out of order, the Queen herself has been an outstanding figure head for the church.

Answer 5

This responsibility came about when Henry the Eighth couldn't get the Pope to annul his marriage(s). Henry made a new church and ran it himself. Since that time the post is hereditary. There is also the Archbishop of Canterbury. I am unsure how he is picked, whether by the King/Queen or church officials.

Answer 6

The monarchy of UK was also head of the Anglican Church because during the olden days, the British separated from the rule of the Pontiff through the efforts of the monarchs leading their own faction of religious group.

Answer 7

There's a good history of the Church of England, explaining the monarch's role, on the C of E website: http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/history/

Answer 8

Morality aside, they are entitled to do so. They hold the title of defender of the faith. Royal titles and charters are binding just like titles to property, and deeds.

Answer 9

Historically it is to do with Henry 8th wanting to get a divorce.

Now it is due mainly to tradition, although Charles has already expressed that he wants to be "Defender of the Faiths" to be more multi-cultural.

Answer 10

Did you not read what Charles wants at his coronation he wants a Representative of all faiths there and every bit of it broadcast.. In other words we are going to be a multi-cultural multi-religious society whether we like it or not