Affirming Catholicism is a movement operating in several provinces of the Anglican Communion. It represents the liberal strand of Anglo-Catholicism. It is particularly noted for its liberal stance on the ordination of women and full inclusion of homosexuals into church life.
It was formed in 1990 by a number of Anglo-Catholic clergy in the Diocese of London, who had been marginalised within or expelled from existing Anglo-Catholic groups due to their support for women's ordination to the priesthood. It developed a theological stance which was staunchly liberal on matters of inclusivity, socially aware but traditionally Catholic in terms of Christology, liturgy, and the nature of priesthood.
Prominent supporters include the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, as well as the gay Dean of St Albans, Jeffrey John, both of whom have served on the executive committee of British/Irish Affirming Catholicism in recent years.
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