Is Anglicanism Reformed Catholic?

In Anglican circles, one sometimes hears or reads that Anglicanism is "reformed catholic."  That is an interesting phrase, and with qualifications, most Anglicans over the centuries might accept the description. However, there have been great differences in the understanding of and application of the term "reformed catholic." So, let us think about the concept. 

For some Anglicans, reformed has meant Reformed in a "Swiss" sense.  They see a major theological influence on the English Reformation in figures such as Melanchthon, Bucer, Bullinger, and Calvin. Of course, these reformers often influenced English church history. Although the Anglican Church never officially accepted all of their ideas or practices, the English Church did have close ties with these continental Reformers for about a century.

For some other Anglicans, catholic has meant accepting medieval Thomism, Tridentine definitions, or Vatican II theology. While catholic Anglicanism has shared points with those traditions, Anglicans do not accept their formulations and practices on significant points. The most notable disagreements center around the role and authority of the Bishop of Rome. The Anglican tradition does not accept papal claims or papal theological definitions from the Middle Ages, Trent, Vatican I, or Vatican II. Their views of papal authority are not compatible with the historic tendencies of the Anglican tradition. The Bishop of Rome "hath no jurisdiction in this Realm of England" (Article XXXVII), either civilly or ecclesiastically. The same applies among all Anglicans.

A broader understanding of the term "reformed catholic" has existed among many Anglicans over five centuries. Anglicans have been "reformed catholic" in the sense of honoring both the best doctrine and practice of the ancient church and key insights of the Reformation era.  Anglicans have recognized that the Medieval and Renaissance Church needed serious reforms, while also affirming the catholic elements of their heritage, especially elements of liturgy and theology received from the Church of the early centuries.  Most Anglicans since 1559 have respected both the ancient Catholic tradition and major insights of the Reformation. Being both catholic and reformed has been a characteristic of the Anglican heritage, and it remains a distinctive description of orthodox Anglicanism.