2. Religious Settlement Flashcards
What was Elizabeth’s approach to Religion?
She was prepared to tolerate all views if they did not contradict her political authority.
She sought a moderate settlement to alienate as few people as possible.
This settlement was called the “Via Media” settlement.
What religious issues did Elizabeth need to decide upon?
The legal status of the church.
The liturgical books to be used in church services.
What two acts of Parliament did Elizabeth’s religious settlement embrace?
Act of Uniformity and Supremacy.
What acts, passed in Mary’s reign were revoked by the Act of Supremacy?
Papal supremacy and The Heresy law.
What acts, passed by Edward VI and revoked by Mary were reintroduced by the Act of Supremacy?
Reformation legislation of Henry VIII was restored.
Legislation that gave the monarch power to appoint commissioners to visit churches and amend any ‘errors’ was reintroduced.
What measures did Elizabeth herself introduce with the Act of Supremacy?
Described Elizabeth as ‘supreme governor’ rather than ‘supreme head’- established that she controlled the Church in a political sense only.
Her appointment of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York allowed her to retain control of most religious matters.
An oath of supremacy was to be taken by clergymen and church officials, there would be penalties for refusing to do so.
What did the Act of Uniformity introduce?
Made the Book of Common Prayer compulsory.
Contained the 39 Articles of Religion, made up of a mixture of Catholic and Protestant doctrines
Attendance at church was compulsory with a fine of one shilling per week (nearly half the weekly wage of a labourer).
When did Elizabeth introduce Religious injunctions?
1559
What did the religious injunctions introduce?
Overall, they attacked traditional Catholic practices…
Called for the removal of ‘things superstitious’ from churches.
Parish churches were required to purchase an English Bible, reasserting the 1538 injunctions.
Wives of the clergy had to produce a certificate signifying their fitness for such a role (reflected Elizabeth’s disapproval of clerical marriage).
Which two main groups opposed the religious settlement?
The Roman Catholics and The Puritans
How did Roman Catholics oppose the religious settlement?
They came to England to win back converts to the cause.
Papal Bull of 1570 ordered Catholics to disobey Elizabeth and incited her assassination.
How did Elizabeth respond to the Roman Catholics’ attacks?
Protestants sieged houses harboring priests.
Any priests found attempting to convert others to Catholicism were found guilty of treason.
Penalties for non-attendance were raised to £5 per week.
How did the Puritans oppose the religious settlement?
They did not pose as significant a threat as Roman Catholics.
Many held positions of power.
They believed the Church should be ‘purified’ of ‘Popish Remnants’
How did Elizabeth respond to the Puritans?
Elizabeth fought a constant running battle with the moderate puritans.
Some were dismissed for refusing to wear the correct dress or not adhering to the form of service while others were able to maintain power.
How was the settlement successful?
Catholicism was closely associated with the burning of heretics and the loss of Calais in the minds of many.
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs stressed Elizabeth I’s humanity compared to the barbarity of Mary and helped to justify the new Settlement.
The ‘Settlement’ formed the basis of religion for the rest of the reign and was enduring.
