Cromwell and Religious Toleration

What did Cromwell believe about 'liberty of conscience'?

It was a natural right but he was aware that it would be difficult to bring all the different sects together/recognise each other's freedoms

Cromwell's appeal for religious toleration was not only words - what actions did he take?

1653 ordinances - two notable measures aiming to bring order to disputed question of the church
Between them, the two ordinances set up a body of Commissioners, known as 'Triers and Ejectors'

What were Triers and Ejectors?

Officials responsible for the selection and supervision of those appointed as ministers in the Church

Cromwell's ordinances made no attempt to prescribe what doctrines were acceptable. What was significant about this?

His aim was not to persecute certain beliefs but to improve toleration by removing the bishops and clerics whose extreme views were disturbing religious peace.
Thought that commissioners should be drawn from as many religious sects as possible

What was Cromwell's worry about the Quakers?

Their public behaviour - not their beliefs

Describe the 1656 James Nayler Case

Quaker James Nayler rode into Bristol on a donkey, mimicking Christ
Arrested for blasphemy by the local magistrates
Second Protectorate Parliament ordered Naylor to be taken to Westminster so the disturbances could be dealt with
Parliament denounced Nayler and sentenced him to some brutal punishments

How did Cromwell react/feel about the James Nayler Case?

Disturbed by the severity of the punishments Nayler had been given and also that parliament had exceeded it's authority
Wrote to speaker to inform them that nothing in the Instrument of Government allows the legal powers they had claimed
Anxious that parliament had gone beyond it's constitutional rights by denying 'liberty of conscience'

How was Cromwell engaged in a religious balancing act throughout the 1650s?

Satisfy army without alienating parliament
Made efforts to ensure Parish system was maintained and improved - he wanted people to have access to a means of worship, meaning a continuation of tithes in support for the clergy

Cromwell's attempts at .................... balance created ...................... between him and his ......................

Cromwell's attempts at RELIGIOUS balance created STRAINS between him and his PARLIAMENTS

What was Cromwell the first English statesman to do?

Make religious toleration the basis of government policy

Cromwell and his link to Jewish people

Gave serious thought to Jewish people being allowed full freedom in England