edward: religion Flashcards
What were problems faced by Somerset?
-Many Catholic practices still in place after Henry, as the Church still largely Catholic
-Having to win over the hearts and minds of the British people
-Many argued that due to terms in Henry’s will, no religious changes should be made until Edward becomes 18
What was Somersets approach to religion?
Slow and cautious
Why was Somerset’s approach to religion slow/ cautious?
-Only a moderate Protestant
-Bishops in England divided- a large number (such as Gardiner) opposed to any change, and the rest undecided
-Only a few areas, such as East Anglia and London, enthusiastic for reform
What changes were made by Somerset in early 1547?
-Book of Homilies should be placed in every Church.
-Clergy ordered to conduct services in English, to preach every Sunday, and make sure that there was an English Bible in their Church.
- Royal Injunction ordered the ordered the removal of superstitious images from Churches
What years was Somerset in power?
1547-1549
Changes made in late 1547?
-Chantries Act passed.
-Treason Act meant that radicals were now free to discuss and demand more radical reforms
What are chantries?
Masses said for the souls of the dead to help them pass into Heaven
Benefit of the Chantries act?
Helped gov raise money for war against Scotland.
Changes in 1548?
-further order to remove images
- all public preaching banned
Benefit of the war against Scotland?
Put England in a stronger position to bring in more change
When was the Act of Uniformity?
January 1549
Protestant changes in the Act of Uniformity?
-Ceremonies now consisted of just communion, baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial
-Clergy allowed to marry
-Chantries
-Laity could receive both bread and wine
Catholic concessions in the Act of Uniformity?
-Fast days and number of holy days remained
-Purgatory neither condemned or upheld
-Worship of saints not banned, only discouraged
-Book of Common Prayer still allowed Catholic interpretation with transubstantiation
Problems caused by the Act of Uniformity?
-Clergy could be fined or imprisoned if they refused, however laity were not punished for not attending Church.
-Problems with religious knowledge and understanding- Bishops carried out inspections, one discovered that in Gloucester 10/311 could not recite the Lord’s Prayer and 171/311 did not know the 10 commandments.
- Caused unrest in Devon, Cornwall, Yorkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire leading to to the downfall of Somerset
Overall change by Somersets downfall?
Most of the old Catholic traditions had been attacked but moves to put in a radical Protestant faith had been slow with much opposition.
Factional struggle began
Changes in 1549 under Northumberland?
-Another proclamation to destroy any remaining images
-Council contained a majority of religious conservatives who did not trust Northumberland so he brought in his own allies and removed opponents to get a Protestant majority.
In 1549, what was used as an excuse to remove further enemies?
rumors of Catholic plot to remove Northumberland
Changes made in 1550?
- leading Catholic members of the Council had been dismissed and Northumberland was made Lord President of the Council.
- The new Ordinal changed the procedure for the ordination of priests. This did not satisfy Hooper who was annoyed by the swearing of an oath to saints and the need to wear a surplice. This resulted in a battle with Ridley and Cranmer that led to Hooper declining the position of the Bishop of Gloucester and being imprisoned for failing to stop preaching. Hooper was frustrated that the Church still did not have a fully agreed Protestant doctrine, especially over issues with transubstantiation.
What was the impact of Northumberland becoming Lord President of the Council
This meant that Northumberland had to ally with the more religiously radical members of the Council- moves would be made to implement a more Protestant Church.
What was the consequence of the new procedure for ordination of Priests?
- Hooper annoyed by the swearing of an oath to saints and the need to wear a surplice. -This resulted in a battle with Ridley and Cranmer that led to Hooper declining the position of the Bishop of Gloucester
- imprisoned for failing to stop preaching.
-Hooper was frustrated that the Church still did not have a fully agreed Protestant doctrine, especially over issues with transubstantiation.
Changes in 1551?
-Northumberland strengthened his grip on power, allowing further change to take place.
-Conservative bishops, like Gardiner, were deprived
What was the consequence of conservative bishops such as Gardiner being deprived?
Gave reformists a majority amongst the bishops.
Changes made in 1552?
-New treason act, making it an offence to question Religious Supremacy or any of the beliefs of the Church
-Second Act of Uniformity
What was high on Parliament’s agenda when it met in 1552?
Protestant reform
