The **Church of England** is the established Christian denomination in England and the mother church of the Anglican Communion, tracing its origins to the English Reformation in the 16th century when King Henry VIII broke from the Roman Catholic Church to create an independent national church[1][2][4]. It operates under a hierarchical yet synodical governance structure comprising 42 dioceses led by bishops, with overall leadership by the archbishops of Canterbury and York. The General Synod, an elected representative body of clergy and laity, shares governance responsibilities, including doctrine and policy decisions[1][3]. The Church's worship and doctrine are primarily based on *The Book of Common Prayer*, a seminal liturgical text from the Reformation era, although since 2000, the contemporary *Common Worship* liturgy has become widely used alongside more traditional services[1]. Its threefold ministry includes deacons, priests, and bishops, with priests conducting most public worship, pastoral care, and sacraments[1]. Historically, the Church of England has played a central role in English society and governance. The British monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church, reflecting its established status and constitutional role, though practical authority is exercised through Parliament and the Prime Minister[2]. The Church’s jurisdiction extends beyond England to the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, and parts of Wales, and it has overseas dioceses like the Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe[2]. It also serves as the foundational institution for the global Anglican Communion, which is a family of national churches sharing common heritage and allegiance to the Archbishop of Canterbury[4]. In recent years, the Church has faced internal debates on issues such as gendered language in liturgy and governance reforms, including the 2025 General Synod discussions on funding redistribution and structural changes[2][3]. Additionally, the Church is experiencing new competition from emerging Anglican groups like the Anglican Mission in England, which is growin