Laud's policies and religious uniformity

Question 1

What traditional features of Catholic worship were retained, following the establishment of the Anglican Church by Elizabeth I?

Answer 1

• Priests’ vestments and incense

Question 2

The Anglican beliefs reflected the teachings of…

Answer 2

the Swiss reformer John Calvin.

Question 3

Explain Arminianism

Answer 3

• A set of beliefs which promoted church services involving rituals and formal ceremony
• Arminians followed the traditional Catholic belief in free will, which meant that individuals could choose whether or not to follow a path to salvation

Question 4

Explain Puritanism

Answer 4

• Puritans were Anglicans who opposed rituals and priestly vestments
• They wanted to purify services by promoting simplicity rather than ceremony
• They were concerned for people’s moral improvement and supported action against moral misbehaviour, such as adultery and drunkenness

Question 5

What Calvinist doctrine did the Puritans believe in?

Answer 5

Predestination - that God had already chosen those who would be saved, regardless of their behaviour during their lifetime

Question 6

Who was William Laud?

Answer 6

Archbishop of Canterbury, appointed in 1633.

Question 7

What religious reforms did Laud impose for greater religious uniformity on church services?

Answer 7

• The communion table was moved to the east end of the church - was railed off from the congregation
• Vestments and incense were to be used in services, and hymns and sacred music were encouraged
• Stained-glass windows were to be installed in churches

Question 8

Why did Laud’s policies, which were Arminian measures, anger the Puritans?

Answer 8

• Because they stressed the outward forms of worship
• They believed that Laud was moving the church in the direction of Catholicism
• Laud further offended the Puritans by issuing the Book of Sports 1633, which allowed people to participate in traditional sports and pastimes on Sundays