Understanding Tractarianism: The Movement That Shaped Anglicanism

Tractarianism was a movement within the Church of England in the mid-19th century that sought to promote the principles of the Oxford Movement, which emphasized the importance of the sacraments, the priesthood, and the continuity of the Church of England with the pre-Reformation Catholic Church. The name "Tractarian" comes from the tracts, or pamphlets, that were published by the movement's leaders, including John Henry Newman and Edward Pusey.

The Tractarians were critical of the Enlightenment rationalism that had influenced the Church of England for centuries, and they sought to restore a more traditional and sacramental understanding of Christianity. They emphasized the importance of the Eucharist as a sacrifice, rather than simply a memorial, and they advocated for the use of ritual and ceremonial in worship. They also stressed the importance of the priesthood as a sacred office, rather than simply a function performed by laypeople.

Tractarianism had a significant impact on the development of Anglicanism, and it paved the way for the later Oxford Movement, which was a more comprehensive renewal of the Church of England. Many of the Tractarians eventually converted to Catholicism, including John Henry Newman, who became a cardinal and is now recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.