2 - The Settlement Of Religion

Question 1

What difficulties did Elizabeth face with religious divisions in 1558?

Answer 1

• Warnings from the past: From the reigns of her father and siblings, Elizabeth knew that religious changes would likely result in protests and rebellions, which would threaten her position as queen
• Warnings from abroad: Elizabeth had to consider relations with foreign countries when choosing the religion of the country. France, Spain and Scotland were all Catholic and could threaten to invade. The Pope could also excommunicate Elizabeth, meaning all Catholics would no longer have to obey her, and he could launch a religious crusade to overthrow Elizabeth.
• Divisions amongst the English people: The majority of the country were Catholic after Mary’s reign, especially in the north, and all the clergy were Catholic. However, Protestants who had fled were now returning to the country and a change in religion could signify a break with the past, after many Protestants had been burned, Elizabeth would be the inspiration for a new English church.
• Difficulty of a compromise: Ran the risk of nobody being pleased, and the options were limited. Because Elizabeth was Protestant, the church could not identify as Catholic and the Pope could not be head, but Catholics would not accept Elizabeth being head. Puritans also did not want a church with any signs of Catholicism.

After just 4 months, Elizabeth had reached a verdict with her plans for a new Religious Settlement

Question 2

Why was uniformity of religion considered as important?

Answer 2

Politically: So that there would be a cohesive community
Religious reasons: It was believed that having the wrong religious ideas would cause one to end up in hell. There was no belief in religious toleration, where people were allowed to believe what they wanted.

Question 3

What were the three main acts introduced in Elizabeth’s religious settlement?

Answer 3

• Act of Supremacy: 1559 - Elizabeth was head of the church but named as Supreme Governor
• Act of Uniformity: 1559 - Was the act that enforced Protestantism, tried to prevent the widespread ripping out of churches, this was supposed to be a gradual change. Set a series of prayers that had to be used in churches: Book of Common Prayer
• Royal Injunctions: Detail for church, clergy would have to wear the surplice for example

Question 4

What were the main components of Elizabeth’s new religious settlement?

Answer 4

• Elizabeth, not the Pope, was made Head of the Church, but she gave herself the title: Supreme Governor. Bishops would run the church. Ordinary Catholics would accept this as they would still believe that the Pope is the Head of Church
• Ornaments and decorations were allowed in churches, and the singing of hymns continued. The appearance of the church was very important to people, and making no changes won many people over.
• All Bible and Church services were in English and the Book of Common Prayer was introduced. Bread and Wine were offered in the Holy Communion, but their purpose was left vague - up to the interpretation of Catholics or Protestants. Mass was banned but many Catholics practiced it in secret. The government were lenient on this at first, as the Catholics seemed loyal.
• All Clergy had to take an oath, recognising Elizabeth’s title and the new prayer book. All clergy had to wear a surplice, rather than plain black gowns that Puritans preferred, however priests were allowed to marry. All preachers had to have a license and had to preach at least once a month. Most of the clergy agreed so the public would experience continuity with regards to who ran their church services.

Question 5

How did the church play a central role in people’s lives?

Answer 5

The church still played a central role in many people’s lives, as they looked to live a pure life and end up in heaven, the church was a source of moral guidance, education and help in times of hardship.

Elizabeth wanted to establish the church in people’s affections by linking loyalty to her with loyalty to her church.

Question 6

How did Elizabeth win support for her new Church?

Answer 6

• Attracted support by presenting herself as the saviour of Protestantism and used biblical drawings to show she was the restorer of the true religion
• Made attendance to church a test of loyalty to crown and country. Anyone who refused to go to church would be fined 1 shilling a week, which was a large amount for many
• Licensed the clergy and told them what to say in sermons, for example by saying prayers for the Queen’s safety (linking loyalty to church to loyalty to Elizabeth).
• Added her Accession day (anniversary of taking office) to the calendar of church festivals, so a day of feasting would be associated with the Queen.
• Encouraged the manufacture of medallions and engravings of herself