Tractarianism

Tractarianism, also known as the Oxford Movement, was a religious movement in the 1830s and 1840s within the Church of England. It aimed to revive older Catholic traditions, beliefs, and practices, emphasizing the church’s continuity with historical Christianity. Tractarians believed in the importance of tradition, sacraments, and a hierarchical church structure, seeking to deepen spiritual life and restore a sense of reverence. Their writings and activism influenced Anglicanism, sometimes sparking controversy as they challenged more liberal or Protestant ideas, ultimately enriching debates about church authority, doctrine, and identity.