[Brian Allen]

The 2000-years-long History of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic [Anglican] Church of England long predates Henry's -- and others -- rejection of the Romans' revision of the Commandments to accomodate Rome's introduction of idolatry and prayers to the dead -- among others of its strange practices.

Henry 8 is no more the pillar of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic [Anglican] Church of England than the Borgias are pillars of its Roman offshoot.

[Charles H. (The_r0nin)]

The 2000-years-long History of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic [Anglican] Church of England long predates Henry's -- and others -- rejection of the Romans' revision of the Commandments to accomodate Rome's introduction of idolatry and prayers to the dead -- among others of its strange practices.

That might have been a valid counterpoint... if the newly-formed Anglican Church hadn't kept all of the practices you cite (including the doctrine of intercession). I don't see the fact that they have "strayed" from their original practices over the past 450 years to become more Protestant as a positive point for your argument (and I have absolutely NO dog in this fight; as I'm Protestant).

[Campion]

The 2000-years-long History of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic [Anglican] Church of England long predates Henry's -- and others -- rejection of the Romans' revision of the Commandments to accomodate Rome's introduction of idolatry and prayers to the dead -- among others of its strange practices.

You ought to read some history that isn't shot through with badly researched polemic. Henry VIII had no problem with what you call "idolatry," nor did he have any problem with prayers to the dead (a practice which some Anglicans still follow ... not to mention one that the Eastern Orthodox Christians and Orthodox Jews also practice, so it is hardly a medieval Roman innovation). In fact, Henry VIII had no problem with any of the usual Catholic doctrines that Protestants object to, and -- even after the break with Rome -- enforced many of them with the sword.

His problem was purely and simply that he wanted a divorce, and the Catholic Church -- true to Scripture -- refused to give it to him.

[TradicalRC]

Give me a break. All of England belonged to the "Church of Rome" until Henry the Eighth wanted a divorce. This was the humble beginning of the Anglican church.

But, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Please name some Pillars of the Anglican Church prior to Henry VIII. I can name several Roman Catholics.