Distinctives of Anglican belief The Thirty-Nine Articles played a significant role in Anglican doctrine and practice. Following the passing of the 1604 canons, all Anglican clergy had to formally subscribe to the articles. Today, however, the articles are no longer binding, but are seen as a historical document which has played a significant role in the shaping of Anglican identity. The degree to which each of the articles has remained influential varies.
distIncTiveS oF AngLican belief tHe thirty-NINe artIcles played A signiFicAnt roLe in anglicAn doctrine And pRActice. folLOwinG The Passing of THe 1604 canons, all anglican clERGY had to fOrMallY subScRibe To the aRtiClES. toDAy, hoWeVEr, tHE ArticLEs are no LOnger BindINg, buT are Seen as A hisToricAL docuMeNT which haS played A sIgNiFicant role in the ShApINg of Anglican iDEntiTy. the Degree to whIch each Of THe ArTIcles haS ReMainEd InfluENtial vaRieS.