Here in Switzerland, where we have close links with the Old Catholic Church, we know that you can be Catholic without being Roman Catholic. Anglicans also regard themselves as both Catholic and Reformed, a middle way between Rome and Geneva.
At his Ascension, Jesus told his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations". This is what being a Catholic Church means - one which reaches out to all peoples in every age. The Church is therefore not a local club with its own rules and customs. The marks of being Catholic include unity within the diversity of its members and a sense that today's Church is connected with the Church founded by the apostles.
We are Catholic because we speak the "whole truth to the whole person" (Archbishop Rowan Williams). This includes
Essentially, these are the statements contained in the Apostles', Nicene and Athanasian Creeds (known, not surprisingly, as the "Catholic Creeds"). Anglicans, along with Roman and Old Catholics as well as Orthodox Christians, hold that the three orders of ordained ministry (bishops, priests and deacons) have existed since the time of the Apostles. This form of generally recognised ministry is another way in which we are catholic (or universal). Similarly, our lectionary of set readings for each Sunday and our heritage of prayers, forms of service and hymns link us not only to the Church of past generations but also to congregations in other parts of the world. So, for instance, if you want to go to church on holiday somewhere you can be sure to find a service where the sacraments are validly celebrated and conducted, in a manner with which you will be familiar, by a priest who would be recognised as such in your own church at home.
Sadly, the divisions in the Church mean that it does not always work like this in practice but the principle holds true nonetheless. We therefore continue to proclaim our faith in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church and pray that one day this will be reality.
Peter Potter