How did religion divide England by 1558?

Learning objective – to be able to examine the nature and extent of religious differences in England in 1558. I can describe the key religious divisions in England in 1558. Grade 3 I can explain the key religious divisions in England in 1558. Grade 6 I can explain and assess the religious differences in England in 1558. Grade 9

What part did religion play in English society in the 16th century? Up to 1533, England had been a Catholic country for over 1,000 years. Catholicism dominated Western Europe and was controlled by the Pope who lived in the Vatican in Rome. Catholic beliefs and acts of worship dominated English society. The agricultural year and festivals were all planned around the religious year.

What was the English Reformation? The Catholic Church was coming under increasing criticism for corruption and the challenge of its authority first came from the German monk, Martin Luther, in 1517. This challenge was called the Reformation and those who challenge the Church were called Protestants. The Reformation in England began in 1532 when Henry VIII created the Church of England. This was not down to religious belief but rather that Henry wanted a divorce and the Pope refused to grant him one. The creation of the Church of England lead to over twenty years of religious unrest as England swung towards and away from the Protestant faith.

What religious groups had developed in England by 1558? Protestants Protestants wanted the monarch to be the Head of the Church, with the Bible and services in English. Churches and priests clothing should be plain and simple. Catholics The Catholic faith still had a hold in many parts of England – particularly the north. They wanted the Pope to be the Head of the Church, services in Latin and the restoration of traditional services and church decoration. Puritans Puritans were the ‘hotter sort of Protestant’ and were growing in numbers throughout Elizabeth’s reign. They wanted a church which had no hierarchy.

What religious problems did Elizabeth face in 1558? Head of the Church and the Bishops – Would Elizabeth make herself the Head of the Church or keep the Papal Supremacy as Mary did? What is she going to do about the bishops – many of whom support Mary? Decoration and music – What is Elizabeth going to do to the appearance of churches? Keep them plain and simple along Protestant lines or fill them with decorations and colour like the Catholic faith? The Clergy – In 1558, all the clergy are Catholic. If Elizabeth is going to change the church to Protestantism she is either going to have to sack all the clergy or persuade them to change to Protestantism. The Bible and Church services – Mary had changed services to Catholicism and all were in Latin. How far would Elizabeth change services? Keep the Catholic order to change back to Protestantism where services are in English and Holy Communion is central.

What issues did Elizabeth have to consider if she was going to create a new Church of England? Warnings from recent history – When changing the Church, Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary all faced rebellions and challenges to their authority. For Henry VIII, when he developed the Church of England and closed the monasteries, he faced the largest rebellion in the Tudor era – the Pilgrimage of Grace. Under Edward VI, the Church of England swung decisively to Protestantism and he faced a rebellion when he tried to implement an English Prayer Book in the South West. When Mary changed the church back to Catholicism and restored Papal Supremacy, she burned nearly 300 Protestants who opposed the change.

What issues did Elizabeth have to consider if she was going to create a new Church of England? Warnings from abroad – If Elizabeth developed a new Protestant Church of England, she would to assess its impact on her neighbours – France, Spain and Scotland, who were all Catholic. Also, this could impact upon any potential suitors. Any Catholic princes would not be interested in a Protestant monarch. The Pope could excommunicate Elizabeth and England. This would encourage Catholic forces to invade England.

What issues did Elizabeth have to consider if she was going to create a new Church of England? Division among the English people – The majority of people were traditional and disliked change in the Church. Many people liked the Catholic services and the further from London, the stronger the hold the Catholic faith had on people. However, the Protestant challenge was becoming stronger. The burnings of Protestants made the Pope very unpopular in England. The South East and Anglia, were becoming strongly Protestant – this was the most populous and richest part of England. Also many of Elizabeth’s supporters and ministers were Protestant.

What issues did Elizabeth have to consider if she was going to create a new Church of England? A compromise? – Reaching a compromise on the Church of England could be seen as the safest bet but a compromise had the risk of not pleasing anyone. There was no religious tolerance and it would be difficult for Elizabeth to reach an acceptable agreement with Catholics who saw her as illegitimate and refused to accept the authority of a woman. On the other hand, Protestants would accept no agreement which contained highly decorated churches and services not in English.

Task Group the statements under two headings - Roman Catholicism and Protestantism All services and the Bible are in Latin People have a relationship with God through the priest People have a direct relationship with God The Pope is the Head of the Church All services and the Bible are in English Churches should be decorated to celebrate the glory of God Churches should be plain and simple so as not to distract from worshipping God There should be no Pope

Task Describe how the following could be problematic for Elizabeth I establishing her authority in the Church. Head of the Church and the Bishops Decoration and music The Clergy The Bible and Church services

Task Complete the spider diagram. Problems for Elizabeth I making religious changes Problems from the recent past Reaction from abroad Domestic divisions Reaching a compromise Complete the spider diagram.

Plenary – My Brain Subheading – My Brain Draw an outline of your brain. Fill your drawn brain with all the things you have learnt in this lesson. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.