James: Religion Flashcards
The Millenary Petition
1603: Millenary Petition. Puritans presented James with a list of requests, such as the end of the sign of the cross, for more Protestant modifications.
Hampton Court Conference
1604: James called the Hampton Court Conference including Puritans,bishops and clergy, where he allowed them to debate, listened to Puritans and rejected their ideas also making them accountable for the decisions made at the conference.
Catholics and Recusancy Fines
Confirmed laws against Catholics: can’t vote, can’t have land etc.
Initially removed recusancy fines, which were paid, usually by Catholics, if you refused to attend Anglican services. But these were reinstated in 1604 after complaints from Parliament and the lost income.
Gunpowder Plot
1605: Catholics failed attempt to blow up Parliament. Caused an increase in Catholic prosecution and recusancy fines as James had an excuse to come down hard on them
Oath of Allegiance
1606: Catholics acknowledged James as rightful King and renounced the Pope. Mostly symbolic. Most took it. Only 25 recusants executed during Charles reign compared to 189 from 1570 to 1603
Arminianism
James grew increasingly sympathetic towards Arminianism over his reign.
Allowed Arminian clerics more prominence in debates at court such as William Laud, made him Bishop of St Davids in 1621.
Was able to put Arminians in prominent positions when they supported him trying to make peace with Spain.
1624: allowed Richard Montugu to publish ‘A new gag for an old goose’, which was widely unpopular for its Catholic beliefs but James supported it.
Religious Policies
Asserted his authority.
1604: Appointed Bancroft as Archbishop of Canterbury, attack on Puritan ministers.
Issued new ‘Canons’ Church laws which all clergy had to swear to, 1% of the clergy who didn’t were expelled.
New English version of the bible, King James’ Bible, was introduced.
1611: Appointed George Abbot, sympathetic to Puritans, as Archbishop of Canterbury. Softened his stance on religion.
Scotland
Cautious approach
1621: persuaded Scots to accept bishops with limiited powers.
But unable to establish a prayer book similar to the one used in England due to great opposition
Success?
Created the Jacobean Balance.
Isolated the extremes and maintained a moderate, balanced, defined Church.
Some tension near the end of his reign due to Arminian influence
