High Church

American  

adjective

(sometimes lowercase)

1. pertaining to the view or practice in the Anglican church that emphasizes the Catholic tradition, especially in adherence to sacraments, rituals, and obedience to church authority.

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High Church British  

noun

1. the party or movement within the Church of England stressing continuity with Catholic Christendom, the authority of bishops, and the importance of sacraments, rituals, and ceremonies Compare Broad Church Low Church

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adjective

1. of or relating to this party or movement

Other Word Forms

• High Churchman noun
• High-Churchman noun

Etymology

Origin of High Church

First recorded in 1695–1705

Compare meaning

How does high-church compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• High Church vs. Low Church

Example Sentences

It was “no accident,” the young Professor Bloom wrote, “that the poets brought into favor by the New Criticism were Catholics or High Church Anglicans.”

From New York Times

After all, here they were, in a library — and a library, we were taught, was the High Church of “credible” authority.

From New York Times

Flush with the success of “The Dream of Gerontius,” he planned out a grand trilogy of oratorios, a heady brew of devout Wagnerism and High Church Anglicanism.

From New York Times

He is nostalgic and wistful, and his verse settles on the immutability of country lanes and thatched inns and of High Church Anglicanism.

From Washington Post

A service will be held at the Old High Church in Inverness, where a memorial candle will be lit in memory of all those who lost their lives in the war.

From BBC