Two or Seven? The Sacraments in Anglican and Roman Catholic Theology

The Church has always been a sacramental body. From the waters of baptism to the bread and wine of the Eucharist, Christ instituted holy signs that convey inward grace. But how many sacraments are there? This question reveals one of the key theological differences between Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism.

The Roman Catholic View: Seven Sacraments as Divine Institutions

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that there are seven sacraments, all instituted by Christ and necessary for the full spiritual life of the faithful:

1. Baptism

2. Confirmation

3. Eucharist

4. Penance (Confession)

5. Anointing of the Sick

6. Holy Orders

7. Matrimony

These are seen not only as signs but as means by which grace is objectively conveyed. This list was formalized at the Council of Trent (1545–1563), in part as a response to the Protestant Reformation. Each of these seven sacraments is considered to have scriptural basis, though the explicit institution of some—like Confirmation or Anointing of the Sick—is drawn from apostolic practice more than direct command.

In Roman theology, the sacraments work ex opere operato—that is, “by the work worked.” As long as the proper form, matter, and intention are present, the sacrament conveys grace, even if the minister is unworthy.

The Anglican View: Two Sacraments of the Gospel

Anglicanism, rooted in the Reformation yet retaining a catholic heritage, affirms a more nuanced position. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, specifically Article XXV, state:

“There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.”

These are referred to as “Sacraments of the Gospel” or Dominical Sacraments, because they are directly instituted by Christ and commanded to all believers. Baptism (Matthew 28:19) and Holy Communion (Luke 22:19–20) are seen as universally binding, necessary for all Christians, and visibly central to the Church’s worship and life.

But Anglicanism does not discard the others. Article XXV continues:

“Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted for Sacraments of the Gospel... for that they have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism and the Lord’s Supper...”

These are acknowledged and even practiced in the Church, but they are not placed on the same theological footing as Baptism and the Eucharist. Instead, they are often called “sacramental rites”—means of grace, but not sacraments in the strictest sense.

Sacramental Grace and Significance

It’s important to note that Anglicans do not deny the grace that may be associated with the other five rites. Confirmation strengthens the baptized, Penance offers reconciliation, and Matrimony blesses a union under God. However, the key distinction is that Baptism and Eucharist were explicitly commanded by Christ for all—thus possessing a unique universality and ecclesial centrality.

In this, Anglicanism reflects its via media—a middle way between Rome and the more radical reformers. For example, many Protestant traditions reject all but Baptism (and sometimes not even that as a sacrament), or treat the Eucharist as merely symbolic. Anglicanism insists both are real means of grace—what the 1928 Book of Common Prayer calls “effectual signs.”

Practical Implications in Worship

In Roman Catholic practice, the seven sacraments are distributed across life’s stages. A child is baptized, later confirmed, confesses sin regularly, receives the Eucharist weekly or daily, may marry or be ordained, and receives last rites before death.

In traditional Anglicanism, particularly in the classical Prayer Book tradition, this life-map is not unfamiliar—but Baptism and Communion are the sacraments most visibly emphasized in liturgical life. Confession is encouraged, but not required auricularly. Holy Orders are maintained with apostolic succession, but seen more in ecclesial terms than ontological change. Marriage is honored, yet not considered inherently sacramental in every theological detail.

Toward a Theology of Sacramentality

One might say that Roman Catholicism leans toward sacramental maximalism—recognizing God’s grace at work in many specific rites and gestures. Anglicanism, on the other hand, tends toward sacramental centrality—focusing on the two core sacraments without denying that God may work through other holy actions.

This distinction reflects broader theological patterns: Roman Catholicism builds theology from the Church outward, whereas Anglicanism, like the Reformers, seeks first the warrant of Scripture. Yet Anglicanism’s catholic heritage prevents it from jettisoning the other rites entirely.

Anglicans affirm two sacraments as dominical—Baptism and the Eucharist—while giving honor and pastoral use to five additional rites. Roman Catholics affirm seven sacraments as instituted by Christ and necessary for the fullness of Christian life.

In both cases, the goal is the same: to convey Christ’s grace to His people. The sacraments are not mere symbols but holy mysteries, grounding our faith in the physical world while pointing to the unseen. Whether two or seven, they are bridges between heaven and earth—reminders that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.