Maintenance of stability - role of the Church

Question 1

How did the Church maintain political stability?

Answer 1

• Bishops were crown appointed
• Bishops anointed monarchs
• Church leaders supported the crown against rebels
• Clerics were used as advisors

Question 2

What role did the Parish Clergy play in maintaining stability?

Answer 2

• Important role- had the power to stabilise or destabilise the country
• Important in the administration of the poor law

Question 3

How did the Church enforce obedience?

Answer 3

• Reinforce obedience through preaching
• 1530s priest were given instructions on the content of their speeches
• Thomas Cranmer wrote a homily on obedience

Question 4

How did the Church disobey the crown?

Answer 4

• Many clergymen rejected Henry VII as the head of the Church
• Rebellion could be justified if the crown acted against God and if the rebellion was led by a noble, JP or Mayor