The Elizabethan Age (1558 - 1603) - The Problem With Religion Flashcards
What is a clerical society?
Everyone believes in God
What were extreme Catholics called?
Recusants
What are extreme Protestants called?
Puritans
By 1559, what had happened?
England had become polarised - Catholics and Protestants
Catholic debt
Protestants wanted revenge on Catholics
What was the Religious Settlement?
Not a compromise
It favoured the Protestant faith
Act of Supremacy
Act of Uniformity
What problems had Elizabeth inherited?
Most people in a England are Catholic
Mary, Queen of Scots is a popular alternate Queen
Protestant
Most powerful countries e.g Spain and France are Catholic
Religious change could spark rebellion
She was unsure how to keep order while not punishing people for their religious beliefs
No National church
What was the Religious Settlement also known as?
Via Media (Middle Way)
What did Elizabeth like about the Catholic Church?
Celebrations
Vestements
Gold crucifixes
Stained glass windows
A decorated church
What was the Act of Supremacy?
Every member of the clergy had to swear an oath of loyalty to Elizabeth as Supreme Governor of the Church of England
Removed heresy laws
Freedom of worship for Protestants
Punishment for those who refused to swear loyalty included imprisonment or execution
What was the Act of Uniformity?
New book of Common Prayer for all churches
Everyone to attend Church on Sunday
Church ornaments and dress to be the same as Early Edwardian
English Bible
The bread and wine was given as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice
Clergy were allowed to marry
Ornaments and decorations allowed in Churches
What were the main points of the Religious Settlement in 1559?
Everyone had to attend Church on Sunday or pay a fine
Church services in English
Catholic and Protestant views of Holy Communion were acceptable
Vicars could marry
Simple vestments and candles to be used
The Pope had no power - Elizabeth appointed all Bishops
Elizabeth was Supreme Governor
Gradually all stained glass windows, crucifixes and statues were removed
Praying for the dead was banned
What were the 39 Articles Rules to follow?
All clergy had to swear to follow them
In Canterbury 1563, delegates drew up 39 articles of faith
These written beliefs denounced many Catholic practices and reaffirmed key elements of Protestant faith.
Approved by the Queen in 1571
What were Royal Injunctions?
Aim to establish a uniformity of worship and behaviour
Remove superstition and teach royal supremacy
Ban fake miracles and condemn catholic practices
Identify and fine recusants
Preach with permission of Bishop
Every Church had to have an English copy of the Bible
Priests allowed to marry
All clergy wear simple dress
Kneel for prayer and bow at Jesus’ name
What were visitations?
125 commissioners were appointed to enforce Religious Settlement
Clergy swears oath and regulations followed correctly
Clergy could be sacked if they were found to be Catholic
What was the Protestant reaction to the Religious Settlement?
The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Matthew Parker was a moderate Protestant and commanded respect
Muted response
Opposition to parts of the Settlement emerged later as to what the Priests were to wear
Only 240 of 9000, less than 3% of Priests refused to accept the changes and lost their jobs
