abuses of the church Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the significance of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales?
It reflects a group on a pilgrimage representing various societal roles
Including citizens and church members, showing the diversity of medieval society.
Define the term ‘Simony’.
Selling ecclesiastical titles to the highest bidder
Often involves less educated individuals, such as clerics.
What does ‘Nepotism’ refer to in the context of the Church?
Promotion of family members to lucrative positions
Example: Wolsey’s son, who broke the law.
What is ‘Absenteeism’ in relation to church priests?
Priests being absent from one or more parishes
Causes a lack of connection to the local services.
What does ‘Pluralism’ mean for priests?
Holding more than one parish or ecclesiastical position
This can lead to neglect of their duties.
What is a ‘Mortuary fee’?
Payment to a priest for the burial of a parishioner by their relatives
This practice highlights the financial aspect of funerals in the church.
What does the term ‘Tithe’ refer to?
One-tenth of a person’s income paid to the church
This was a standard practice for supporting the church.
What are ‘Sanctuaries’ in a historical context?
Places to seek refuge from the king’s court
Tied to the church’s authority and protection.
True or False: The Church faced criticism for its abuses during the medieval period.
True
There were many critiques regarding the church’s practices.
Who was Richard Hunne?
A merchant involved in a notable case against the church
His case highlighted the tensions between individuals and ecclesiastical authority.
What event occurred in March 1511 involving Richard Hunne?
His baby son died and a priest demanded a mortuary fee
This led to a series of legal disputes with the church.
Fill in the blank: The ‘Lollard Bible’ was found in Richard Hunne’s house in __________.
October 1514
Its discovery contributed to the charges against him.
What happened to Richard Hunne in December 1514?
He was found hanged in his cell
This raised suspicions of foul play given the context of his legal struggles.
