Whitgift's Articles and the attack on Presbyterianism

Who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1583?

John Whitgift

What was Whitgift determined to destroy?

Presbyterianism

What was the Three Articles he issued that the clergy had to subscribe to?

• Acknowledgment of the royal supremacy

• Acceptance of the prayer book as containing nothing ‘contrary to the Word of God’

• Acceptance that the 39 Articles confirmed to the word of God

What did the 2nd Article create and why?

Crisis of conscience for many clergy, not just Presbyterians, who thought that some parts of the prayer book lacked scriptural justification

How was Whitgift forced to back down?

Under pressure from councillors such as Leicester and Walsingham

How did he reduce the second Articlle?

Reduced it to a simple acceptance of the prayer book

How were most clergy able to justify accepting this?

By arguing that their preaching ensured godliness within the Church

How did Whitgift’s campaign have some success?

He forced Burghley’s protégé, George Gifford, out of his post, and Cartwright was refused a licence to preach despite Leicester’s pleas

What did Whitgift cause by treating radical and moderates alike?

Much despair among clergymen

While he had complete support of the queen, why was he regarded with suspicion?

His policies and attitudes were regarded with suspicion by many of her ministers

What happened to Presbyterianism by the late 1580s?

In decline

What were very few Puritan clergy prepared to do?

Break with the Church by refusing to accept the Three Articles

What showed the futility of a parliamentary approach?

The failure of Cope’s ‘Bill and Book’ in 1587

What was Presbyterianism further weakened by?

The death of its key organiser, John Field, in 1589

What was no synod held after?

1589

How did the reputation of the Presbyterian movement suffer?

On account of the satirical Marprelate tracts