Henry VIII: The Church of England by 1540
What developments were made in the last years of Henry VIII's reign?
- From 1540 until 1547 Protestants mostly persecuted and ideas attacked. Not wiped out. Cranmer remained Archbishop of Canterbury, surviving attempts by Conservative faction to discredit him in the eyes of the King. - Henry's last wife, Catherine Parr, also gave Protestant movement vigour. Maintained interest in reforming ideas and encouraged education of Prince Edward and Princess Elizabeth by Protestant scholars eg Richard Coxe and John Cheke. - By Henry's death, Reformation reached a stalemate. Preaching of Protestant ideas suppressed, but country remained entirely separate from the Pope's control. Bible still available in English and limited reforms against worship of saints and o superstitious practices survived. - Henry's reformation had brought about consequences that he desired, but left English religion in an uneasy state, Catholicism without the Pope. Henry had eliminated the Pope's power in England, but relied on bishops to preach the Pope's doctrines to maintain the split. Many inconsistencies in this compromise and neither Catholics nor reformers were happy.
What were the doctrines of the Church of England at the death of Henry VIII?
- Main doctrines remained Catholic: 1. The Eucharist seen as Catholic, including belief of transubstantiation. 2. Only the clergy allowed to receive both the bread and the wine. Lay people only received bread. 3. All 7 Catholic sacraments remained in force. 4. Confession of sins to a priest was seen as an essential part of devotion. 5. English clergy could not marry - issue for those who had married before this was re-imposed in 1540. 6. Many processions/events of Catholic Church remained. - However, some elements of Protestantism introduced: 1. Although services in Latin, Cranmer had succeeded in 1545 in introducing some elements in English in 1545. 2. The Great Bible 1539 was the authorized English translation which replaced the Latin version. 3. Much less emphasis on saints and the laity were forbidden to go on pilgrimages to offer prayers to saints. 4. No of Saints Days greatly reduced to 25.
What were religious beliefs like in 1547?
- People were not divided simply into Protestant and Catholic believers. Many people embraced some aspects of Protestant ideas. But only the educated and really devoted would have the time and inclination to understand and think through theological debates in a rapidly changing situation. - Luther died in 1546. Lutheran churches/congregations established in parts of Germany + elsewhere. From late 1530s another reformer, John Calvin preaching in Switzerland and France and gaining followers w beliefs more radical than Luther's. Influences reaching England, but most people were reluctant to abandon centuries-old traditions, eg ceremonies/rituals. People slow to embrace radical change unless a good reason to do so. - Studies of the wording of wills and churchwardens; accounts show continuing use of traditional Catholic language in last years of H8's reign and beyond. Henry had been largely accepted as Head of the Church, but widespread acceptance of Protestant beliefs was much slower.
Describe (briefly) how religion evolved throughout Henry's reign?
1. Criticism of Lollards, humanists and Protestants; General anti-clericalism; issue of succession and Henry's desire for a divorce. 2. 1529: Failure and fall of Cardinal Wolsey. 3. 1529-32: The Years of Uncertain Policy - Sir Thomas More's reluctant pursuit of divorce; parliamentary focus on anti-clericalism; limited attempts to pressure Pope. 4. 1532-33: Emergence of Thomas Cromwell. 5. 1533-39: The Seizure of the Church - Act in Restraint of Appeals; Act of Supremacy; the Dissolution of the Monasteries; 'Catholicism without the Pope'. 6. Enforcement - 1534 Oath of Supremacy; 1534 Treason Act. 7. Reform - 1536 Cromwell's injunctions; 1537 the Bible in English. 8. Reaction - 1539 Six Articles Act. 9. 1540: Fall of Cromwell - Opposition: Execution of Sir Thomas More; the Nun of Kent; London Carthusian monks; the Pilgrimage of Grace 1536-37.
