In the Church of England, who serves as the head of the church?

• A. The Pope
• B. The Archbishop of Canterbury
• C. The Monarch
• D. The Queen's private council

Answer: (C)

The head of the Church of England is the monarch, who serves as the Supreme Governor. This ceremonial role reflects the church’s status as the established church and the monarch’s constitutional duties in church life, such as representing the church and having a formal say in church matters through the appointment of bishops on the Prime Minister’s advice. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and the spiritual leader within England and the Anglican Communion, guiding worship and doctrine, but he does not hold the overall headship of the church. The Pope leads the Roman Catholic Church, which is a separate tradition. The Privy Council advises the monarch and does not direct church leadership. So the monarch is the head of the Church of England.