"In England (Great Britain) the Church of England is the 'Official' church and is headed by the King or Queen and preaches as directed by said person Currently Prince Charles is actually the head of the church."
So far as I know, Queen Elizabeth is the head of the Church of England. I believe the statement that "Prince Charles is actually the head of the church" is an error. Am I wrong?
It actually doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I just want to have the fact straight.
Clive2015-09-04T04:00:17Z
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Whoever said that hasn't a clue what they're talking about. The Queen is Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Prince Charles is not head of anything unless and until he becomes king.
The term "Supreme Governor" was chosen carefully for theological reasons... Henry VIII made himself Supreme Head, but Christ is the head of the Church so it's not right to use that word about anyone else. Even Catholics are careful to say that the Pope is the head of the Church ON EARTH!
The Queen also certainly doesn't direct how the C of E preaches, as its entire clergy are more theologically qualified than she is. If anyone's going to do that, it would be the spiritual leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Though given the variety of opinion within the C of E, he tends to get brickbats every time he opens his mouth. The current holder of the job was specifically chosen for his past experience in difficult negotiations.
The Sovereign of the UK is the supreme governor of the Church of England, and defender of the faith.
There is no Queen of England, and has not been for 300 years. The Queen is not head of the Church of Scotland (there isn't one) but she may attend the General Assembly as an observer.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the Anglican church.
The Head of the C of E is the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Queen is 'defender of the Faith' meaning just that - she protects the C of E. Charles has been quoted as saying he wants to be known as 'Defender of Faith'. No 'the'.
Add - Having done a search to be sure of my facts, this is what I found.
"Her Majesty the Queen is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and she also has a unique and special relationship with the Church of Scotland, which is a Free Church. In the Church of England she appoints archbishops, bishops and deans of cathedrals on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Structure of The Church of England https://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure.aspx "
Officially and ceremonially, the Monarch is head of the CofE. In practice, the Archbishop of Canterbury is.
Prince Charles has no role in it, and won't have till he succeeds to the throne. I can't even imagine why anybody would state that he was the head of the Church.
Charles is head of nothing until his mother dies! she is the head of the church of england at the moment, that title will be charles's, but only when he is king.