1. Background to the Protestant Reformation - In the 1500’s in Northern Europe, the Renaissance sparked a religious PROTEST. - This movement would become known as the Protestant Reformation. - People were able to get news because of the PRINTING PRESS.

2. Church Abuses - Starting in the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church got caught up in “worldly affairs”. - Popes led lavish lifestyles, hiring Renaissance artists to beautify homes and churches.

3. Church Abuses cont’d ► MAJOR CHURCH ABUSES: 1.Charging citizens inflated fees for marriages, baptisms, to enter holy places and view holy relics. 2.Pre-Printing Press – controlling interpretations of the Bible. 3.Selling leadership positions 4.Selling INDULGENCES!

4. Church Abuses cont’d ► INDULGENCE: Literally a piece of paper that the church would sell, lessening the time a soul would spend in purgatory.  Purgatory: A place where souls would repent for sins committed during lifetime. ► Indulgences could be bought with money before or after sin had been committed.

5. Early Attempts at Reform of the Church ► John Wycliffe: Launched attack on the church using writings and sermons. Best known for Best known for translating the Bible translating the Bible into English. into English. ► Jan Hus: 40 years after Wycliffe, executed for speaking out against Catholic Church.