Religious policies under Edward

Despite Edward being a minor, what was obvious?

That he had strong Protestant tendencies.

What made moves to Protestantism easier?

The nature and composition of the Regency Council that ran the country.

What was support for Protestantism like in England, what was the impact of this?

Not particularly strong, still a great deal of support for traditional Catholic practices. Moves towards a more reformed religion were slow.

What were the 4 phases which religious change can be split into during Edward’s reign?

• 1547: attack on Catholicism

• 1548: lack of an official doctrine, but period of uncontrolled radical Protestant activity

• 1549 - 52: establishment of Protestant worship

• 1553: establishment of a fully reformed Church

What was Somerset’s religious policy like and why?

Slow and cautious.

The country was still Catholic and he was only a moderate Protestant.

What were the religious opinions of the bishops, parish clergy and population?

Bishops divided and most parish clergy + population opposed to change.

How did the government begin with their reforms?

By examining the condition of the Church through royal visitation.

What did the government introduce in July 1547?

The Book of Homilies, giving model sermons and Erasmus’ Paraphrases. Introduced to all churches.

What were clergy instructed to do?

Ordered to conduct services in English + ensure there was an English Bible present + remove superstitious images.

What change took place when parliament met and why?

Chantries were dissolved. Further attack on superstition as they were places where masses for the souls of the dead were said.

What did parliament repeal and what was the effect of this?

Repealed the Treason Act. Meant radicals were free to discuss more radical reforms as restrictions on what could be said were limited.

What was the impact of the abolition of the Treason Act in 1548?

• unleashed more radical views and unrest

• followed by iconoclastic attacks on alters and images

• pamphlets attacking the mass published

What did the government have to issue as a result of the radical activities of 1548?

A series of proclamations between January and April 1548 to restore order and limit those who could preach.

What was the impact of the bans issued by the government?

Limited, in September 1548 the Council had to ban all public preaching.

What was the impact of the success of the campaign against the Scots?

The position of the government was strengthened and therefore more Protestant measure could be brought in during the autumn of 1548.

When was the Act of Uniformity passed?

January 1549

What Protestant practices did the Act of Uniformity order?

• Sacraments were just common, baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial

• Clergy could marry

• Singing for the souls of the dead was ended

• Holy communion, matins and evensong were in English

• Laity could take communion in both kinds

Did the Act of Uniformity remove all Catholic practices?

No, some Catholic practices still remained.

What else was brought in and what was the impact of this?

A new Prayer Book. Despite a moderate nature, it created unrest.

What change did religious change see following Somerset’s fall?

Religious change increased in pace:

• attacks on images were increased

• a new Ordinal was brought in during January 1550

• conservative bishops were removed

• a new Treason Act was passed

• stone alters were replaced by wooden tables

• this was followed by a Second Act of Uniformity

Before Edward’s death did he establish a fully reformed Church?

Yes, in 1553

What ensured the establishment of a fully reformed Church?

The Second Prayer Book published, Act of Uniformity introduced - more Protestant than the first, removed all traces of Catholicism, established Calvin’s concept of a spiritual presence + was the basis of all services

What was a limitation of the Act of Uniformity and Second Prayer Book?

Although it was used it did not mean everyone accepted the views.

What were the Forty-Two Articles and what happened to them?

They outlined doctrine and belief. They were drawn up, but never became law because of Edward’s death.

What religion was England by Edward’s death in 1553?

Legally Protestant