The Problem of Religion (ER)

Question 1

What were the aims of the Religious Settlement?

Answer 1

To satisfy the different religious groups of society and to unite the country
To prevent rebellion and war with other countries

Question 2

When and what was the Act of Supremacy and Uniformity?

Answer 2

Act of Supremacy 1559: Elizabeth became the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, those with some sort of power had to swear an oath to Elizabeth, jailed then executed if refused

Act of Uniformity 1559: All Services and Bibles were in English, ornaments and decorations were allowed, clergy wore vestments and were allowed to marry, recusants were made to pay a fine of 1 shilling

Question 3

What measures were put in place to enforce the acts?

Answer 3

Royal Injunctions- ensured uniformity and identified recusants and report them to JPs
Visitations- 125 commissioners were paid to monitor supremacy
Act of Exchange- allowed Elizabeth to take church land
The Episcopacy- bishops responsible for running the church
Thirty-nine Articles- laid down the rules of the Church of England

Question 4

What factors did Elizabeth need to consider?

Answer 4

Many Catholics considered Mary to be the rightful queen
The Pope could excommunicate Elizabeth
Most of the HoC was Protestant
Most of the HoL was Catholic
The Spanish Empire was much more powerful than the English Empire

Question 5

What were the initial domestic reactions to the settlement?

Answer 5

250 of 9000 priests refused to accept changes and lose their jobs
97% of people were fine with it
Catholic bishops resigned
The ABoC, Matthew Parker, was shown respect

Question 6

What were the initial foreign reactions to the settlement?

Answer 6

France had their own issues and were unbothered
King Phillip and the Pope didn’t think it would last
Spain was initially friendly