Duke of Northumberland and Religion (1550-1553)

How were the Duke of Northumberland’s religious policies described?

“Enigma”

• several crucial moments in his life he declared himself as a Catholics

• however, he was the head of gov where the religious pendulum swung most decisively towards Protestantism

Religion took second place in his search for power!

What benefits did the Duke of Northumberland receive from moving towards Protestantism?

• Increased the bond of affection with King Edward VI - who was Protestant

• Judged that the religious future lay with the Protestants and supported appointing radicals (John Hopper - Bishop of Gloucester)

• Power and money lay with stripping the Catholic Church

What was the New Reformed Ordinal - Jan 1550?

The new ordinal simplified the ordination process, removed the minor orders, and focused on the laying of hands and special prayers

• Protestant Hooper was outraged by the swearing of oath to saints!

• controversy raged between Hooper and Ridley, until Hooper backed down

What was the Removal of stone altars - Nov 1550

Replaced with wood alters

• removing catholic tradition!

What was the New Treason Act - Jan 1552

Made it an offence to question the Royal Supremacy or any articles of faith in the church

What was the Second Book of Common Prayer - Jan 1552

Highly Protestant Document! - produced by Cranmer

• removed all traces of Catholicism - prayers for the dead and vestments were removed

• sign of the cross was abolished

despite its radical views some reforms still opposed it, those who resented being expected to kneel during communion (traces of Catholicism remain)

What was the Second Act of Uniformity - April 1552

This enforced the Second Book of Common Prayer - became an offence for both clergy and laity not to attend church services

• new service introduced into every parish

What was the Black Rubric Proclamation - Nov 1552

Kneeling to receive the communion was for the sake of good order, not out of idolatry

• Edward personally implemented this

• Response to the reformers criticisms of the Second Common Book of Prayer

What was the 42 Articles Submitted - Nov 1552

Issued by the government in June 1552 but never became law

• based on Cranmer’s idea

• Strongly protestant - based of doctrine of faith alone - article set the basis for Elizabeth’s 39 Articles

What was the Short catechism - 1553

(without parliament approval - controversial!)

A manual for teaching the main beliefs of the church - written as an question and answer format

• learning guide for the Protestant faith

• controlling people’s church experience