1. Great Schism What is a Schism? In this case between 2 popes
a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief.
In this case between 2 popes
Clement VII and Benedict XIII
Papacy- the office or authority of the pope

2. Challenges to the Church
Catholic Church
Inadequate and conflicted leadership
Putting it under the domination of powerful states
Demand from within to restructure from a papal hierarchy to councils made up from the clergy
The growth of lay piety
Mysticism

3. Challenges to the Church
The Babylonian Captivity 1309 – 1376
Refers to the instance that the Pope moved to Avignon, France rather than staying in Rome
Caused division in the Catholic Church
Under the domination of the French king (not in Rome)
Focused on internal administrative reforms
Return to Rome (after nearly 70 years)
Dispute over who should be Pope
Fueled by nationalism
Two popes were elected
Urban VI – Italian
Clement VII – cousin of the king of France
States supported according to their political interests

4. Challenges to the Church
The Great Schism
Jan Huss,
believes the authority of the Bible is higher than the pope’s authority.  Beginning of challenges to the authority of the Catholic Church that leads to the Reformation.
John Wyclif (later his ideas were used by Martin Luther)
The only source of Christian doctrine & practice – the Scriptures
believes that God is sole authority
Common religious practices were illegitimate
Veneration of saints and pilgrimages
Simony (buying/selling of church offices)
Pluralism (holding several offices at the same time)
Absenteeism (holding an office, but living in another place)
Property ownership

5. Challenges to the Church
Religion & Politics
Wyclif & Hus reveal the degree to which religious reform was tied to politics
Seeds of Change
Martin Luther would use their ideas a century later
Martin Luther was able to bring about reform they could not (Wyclif and Hus opposition too powerful – supports too weak)

6. Challenges to the Church
Lay Piety(Clergy & Church Members) gain prominence
Disorder & disunity
disputes among various orders
Disappointing performance of some priests
Absence of priests
The Black Death took many priests