The established churches
Study note
Some parts of the UK have an official, or established, church, which means a church recognised by the state. In England the established church is the Church of England, also called the Anglican church. It is a Protestant church that dates from the Reformation in the 16th century. The monarch is the head of the Church of England, and its most senior spiritual leader is the Archbishop of Canterbury. Some Church of England bishops sit in the House of Lords.
Scotland has its own national church, the Church of Scotland, which is a Presbyterian church led by a Moderator. There is no established church in Wales or in Northern Ireland. Remembering that England has the Church of England with the monarch at its head, while Scotland has the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, covers the key facts here.
Memory tip: England = Church of England (monarch is head). Scotland = Church of Scotland (Presbyterian).
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 3
What is the established church in England?
Show all questions and answers for The established churches(3 questions with explanations)
The established churches: questions, answers and explanations
1. What is the established church in England?
- The Church of Scotland
- The Methodist Church
- The Church of England
- The Roman Catholic Church
Correct answer: The Church of England
The Church of England (Anglican) is the established church in England.
2. The Church of Scotland is which kind of church?
- Buddhist
- Presbyterian
- Methodist
- Catholic
Correct answer: Presbyterian
The Church of Scotland is a Presbyterian church and is Scotland's national church.
3. The monarch is the head of the Church of England.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. The monarch is the head of the established Church of England.
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