Term used in a general sense by theologians to designate the successive existence of the Church from its foundation by Jesus Christ to the present day without a change in its dogma or hierarchical constitution. Specifically, it was a theory advanced by the High-Church Anglicans in the 19th century when they claimed communion with the Holy See on the grounds that their Church was identical with the pre-Reformation Church in England, hence with the Catholic Church. The absurdity of this claim is only too apparent, and never was it exposed more forcibly than by Cardinal Bourne at the thirteenth centenary of York.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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