Introduction

In the enduring debate over the intersection of religion, gender, and sexuality, Anglo-Catholicism stands out as a unique case study. The influential 1945 novel Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh famously portrays Anglo-Catholicism as 'all sodomites with unpleasant accents,' a phrase that others have echoed with varying degrees of subtlety. To understand the origins and development of this stereotype, we must revisit the historical underpinnings of Anglo-Catholicism, particularly the Oxford Movement, and explore how ideas about masculinity and sexuality intertwined.

The Oxford Movement and its Background

The Oxford Movement, which began in the 1830s, sought to revitalize the Church of England by emphasizing liturgy and doctrine. Influential figures like John Henry Newman challenged the trend towards the church's subservience to the state, seeking to reclaim the spiritual authority that they believed the bishops of the Church of England should possess as successors to the Apostles. However, the Oxford Movement's focus on the spiritual was often underpinned by a very particular understanding of masculinity.

Education and Intimate Friendships

Members of the Oxford Movement were largely the product of all-male educational institutions—boarding schools and universities. These environments fostered strong, enduring relationships between men, which were seen as a natural and integral part of male identity. This is vividly captured in The Return of the King, where the relationship between Frodo and Sam is not merely romantic but also deeply spiritual. For many like J.R.R. Tolkien, such love was depicted as non-sexual, loyalty, and companionship.

The Shift in Representations of Homosexuality

The 1880s and 1890s marked a significant shift in the way society began to define and discuss same-sex attraction. The concept of 'homosexuality' as a medical condition emerged, and men and women who experienced same-sex attraction were increasingly seen as different and abnormal. This new framework allowed individuals who harbored same-sex attractions to identify with each other and seek communities supportive of their shared experiences.

A Anglo-Catholic Subculture

Anglo-Catholicism, with its rich liturgy, interpretive service, and unique traditions, became a subculture within the Church of England. While many Anglo-Catholics were indeed celibate, this was not uniform. Nonetheless, Anglo-Catholics were often viewed with suspicion, partly because of their embrace of celibacy and practices that Protestants found exotic. In this environment, effeminate traits and male intimacy provided a template for understanding homosexuality, intertwining with perceptions of the erotic and the deviant.

The Emergence of Muscular Christianity

A significant factor in the evolution of Anglo-Catholicism's association with homosexuality lies in the concurrent rise of Muscular Christianity. Proponents of Muscular Christianity sought to redefine masculinity in terms of strength, military service, and missionary work. This movement was often at odds with the more contemplative and ritualistic approach of the Oxford Movement.

The Controversy with Charles Kingsley

The influential Muscular Christian, Charles Kingsley, attacked John Henry Newman, leading Newman to write his Apologia Pro Vita Sua. In one of his more controversial passages, Kingsley criticized Newman’s honesty and masculinity, suggesting that Newman's embrace of celibacy was akin to effeminacy and cunning. This discourse reinforced the idea that homosexuality and femininity were inextricably linked, shaping how society viewed and understood both.

Conclusion

The stereotyping of Anglo-Catholicism in relation to homosexuality is a result of complex historical, cultural, and ideological forces. From the Oxford Movement to the emergence of Muscular Christianity, the intertwining of masculine ideals and religious practices played a crucial role in shaping perceptions. Understanding these origins is key to dismantling the prevailing stereotypes and fostering more inclusive and nuanced discussions about sexuality and faith.