Via media

Via media is a Latin phrase, that is often used in philosophy. It means the middle road. It is used for a position that is between two other, more extreme positions. Aristotle used the term, to talk about moderation.

Many people who follow Anglicanism see themselves between the Roman Catholic Church, and Protestantism. Anglicans kept many ideas from the Roman Catholic tradition, but they also took up some ideas from Protestantism. Many see themselves, as being Catholic, but they do not recognise the pope as their leader.

Lutherans from the Nordic countries (Norway, Finland, and Sweden) have similar ideas: