High Church
- noun
:
Iglesia Alta
- I don't know actually what denomination you are, sir, but she belonged to the High Church of England.
My father is Episcopalian, and so, you know, he loves high church.
- My father is Episcopalian, and so, you know, he loves high church.
Examples
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He had come to be regarded as above all others as representative of the High Church movement of his day, and was responsible for the Canons of 1640, which reinforced and went beyond those of 1604.
Academic text (1990) -
Great post, David, and a good description of "high church" liturgy.
Blog text (24) -
The Protestant tendency, I feared, at least in "high church" circles by contrast with Evangelicals, was pretty much to leave personal behavior in the private sphere while shifting emphasis to political action.
Academic text (2014) -
The High Church tradition emphasizes elaborate ceremonies and a strong connection to historical practices.
-
In her parish, they celebrate Mass in a High Church style, which includes incense and traditional vestments.
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Many members of the congregation appreciate the rituals of the High Church for their beauty and reverence.
Synonyms
A movement in the Church of England that has many Catholic beliefs and ceremonies
A Church of England tradition that keeps Catholic-style rituals and special religious ceremonies
How Catholic
Surface Forms
Morphology
Although 'high' + 'church' gives a partial clue—'high' can suggest elevated status or greater formality— the term names a specific Anglican tradition emphasizing Catholic-style ritual and authority, which is a specialized, culture-bound meaning not fully predictable from the words alone. A B1 learner who knows 'high' and 'church' might guess a more formal or important church but would not reliably infer the precise theological/ritual sense without exposure.
Etymology
High Church comes from the idea that the word high meant 'more formal' worship in some churches. Those churches used more rituals like candles, special robes, and a large altar, so High Church now means the part of Anglicanism that likes Catholic-style practices, special church ceremonies, and strong church authority.
