4 The Church of England

Question 1

Origins of English Reformation

Answer 1

• Henry VIII broke with Rome - for ability to grant himself a divorce; became head of the Church of England.
• Led to dissolution of monasteries and England’s shift from Catholic to more Protestant - even though Henry was still Catholic at heart.

Question 2

Religious differences between Catholics, Protestants and Puritans

Answer 2

Catholic : Protestant
- Pope is head of Church : Monarch head of church (no pope).
- Cardinals, bishops, archbishops follow after Pope : Cardinals, bishops, archbishops unnecessary (puritans).
- Bible and church service in latin : Bible and church service in english.
- Church acts as intermediary between God and people : people can study Bible and pray to have own, direct relationship with God.
- Church forgive sins on God’s behalf : Only God forgives sins.
- Transsubstantiation during mass : Holy Communion is symbol of remembrance of Last Supper (no miracle occurs).
- Priests show status with vestments : Priests are ordinary people.
- Church highly decorated - show God’s power, mystery, glory : Church plain and simple - no distractions from worshipping God.
- Seven sacraments (eucharist, confession etc.) : Two sacraments (baptism at birth, Holy Communion).
- Celibate and non-married priests : Priests can marry.

Question 3

Changes in religion in England

Answer 3

• Henry: more protestabt but still fairly catholic
• Edward: radically protestant
• Mary: radically catholic
• Elizabeth: more protestant but fairly catholic (north west = catholic; south east = protestant).

Question 4

Impact of English reformation on Elizabeth.

Answer 4

• Feared conflict between catholics and protestants (e.g. Catholics view Elizabeth as illegitimate and Mary as legitimate queen)
• Majority of her clergy was catholic - had to pass Act of Parliament to change country’s religion from catholic (some clergy will fight against converting).
• Government contained catholics - House of Lords mainly Catholic bishop (influence advice given on policy).
• Provided power and authority - monarch had ultimate responsibility over Church of England; acted on her behalf in areas of spreading information, enforcing laws, poor relief and law and order.

Question 5

Importance of religion in Elizabethan society.

Answer 5

• Church dictated people’s live from cradle to grave - went church every Sunday; christen babies; marry people; funeral at church.
• Celebrating religious festivals seen as important - harvest festivals: pray for good harvest, avoidance of famine; holy days: catholics take mass.
• Church supported local community - taught congregation values to live good life; food and shelter for poor.
• English reformation brought religious divide - some risked safety to continue practicing catholicism; some refused to attend CoE services; others embraced Protestantism; others listened to their teaching;

Question 6

Role of Church of England

Answer 6

• Guidance given to community - people went for advice; poor went for support.
• Church courts - made decisions on moral matters (marriage, slander, sexual offences); ensured all wills were valid; hated by lawyers in ordinary court for power.
• Reinforced monarch’s power - enforced monarch’s new laws; church support increased monarch’s legitimacy; political message from Elizabeth to clergy can be passed on to congregation.