The Power of the Medieval Church

Parish Priest Administered the sacraments Explained the Bible Baptism Penance 5 others Explained the Bible Latin Issues? Cared for sick Ran schools

Importance of Church Focal point of community Housed relics or saints bones Tithe Cathedrals – competition to build bigger and better

Medieval Woman Equal in eyes of God Weak and frail on earth Mary, mother of Jesus, was ideal – modest and pure Punishments harsher for women - Why?

Monasteries Benedictine Rule Worked as farmers Obedience to abbot or abbess Poverty Chastity Worked as farmers Provided health and education services Women had many opportunities – later taken from them Why?

Power of the Church Papal supremacy – power over all secular rulers Truce of God – no fighting Fri - Sun Escape Hell Do good deeds Sacraments Church could Excommunication No sacraments/burial Interdict All region excommunicated.

Corruption/Reform Pope Gregory VII St. Francis of Assisi forms Friars Church chooses church officials No marriage for priests No selling of church offices – simony St. Francis of Assisi forms Friars Poverty, humility and love of God Beguines – accepted poor women who were not accepted by others

Pope Gregory VII

Jews Accepted for many years especially in Spain As Christianity spread, blame fell upon Jews for unexplained matters Many moved to eastern Europe Used skills in finance and medicine to improve their society

Flying Buttress

Flying Buttresses

Flying Buttresses

Sophia Interior

Ely Cathedral

Notre Dame

Wakefield Cathedral