Religious Settlement

Q: Why did Elizabeth I introduce the Religious Settlement in 1559?

: England had experienced frequent religious changes between 1532 and 1558, causing division and unrest. Elizabeth wanted to create a **Protestant Church** that **Catholics could accept**, avoiding uprisings.

Q: What was Elizabeth I’s "middle way" in the Religious Settlement?

Elizabeth created a Church that **looked Catholic** but **followed Protestant practices** to maintain stability and avoid rebellions.

Q: Why were Puritans a threat to Elizabeth I’s Religious Settlement?

Puritans wanted a **Church without a monarch** and believed they had the right to **overthrow rulers**. This challenged Elizabeth’s belief in the **Divine Right of Kings**.

Q: What was the Act of Supremacy (1559)?

The Act of Supremacy confirmed **Elizabeth as Supreme Governor** of the Church of England, ensuring monarchial control over religion.

Q: Why did Elizabeth I call herself Supreme Governor instead of Supreme Head of the Church?

Some Catholics **did not accept a woman** as Head of the Church, so the term **"Supreme Governor"** was a compromise allowing them to still see the Pope as Head.

Q: How did the Act of Supremacy enforce Elizabeth’s authority?

**Government officials and clergy** had to take an **oath of loyalty** to Elizabeth.

**Ecclesiastical High Commission** ensured churches followed the Settlement

**Catholic clergy could lose their jobs** or be **imprisoned** for non compliance

Q: What was the Act of Uniformity (1559)?

The Act of Uniformity ensured that **all churches looked the same** and **followed the same services**.

Q: How did the Act of Uniformity appeal to Catholics?

Churches **could have decorations** and **sing hymns**. The **prayer book wording was deliberately unclear**, allowing different interpretations.

Q: How did the Act of Uniformity appeal to Protestants?

Church **services and the Bible were in English**. **Priests could marry**. **Special vestments** were introduced, though some Puritans opposed them.

Q: How did Elizabeth I enforce church attendance?

**People had to attend church on Sundays and holy days**. *Recusants (those who refused) were fined one shilling per absence**.

Q: What were the Royal Injunctions (1559)?

Orders issued by **Sir William Cecil** to support the **Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity**.

Q: How did the Royal Injunctions enforce Elizabeth’s rule?

Clergy had to **preach Elizabeth was in charge of the Church**. *Recusants (those who refused) were fined one shilling per absence**. **Pilgrimages and worship of "fake miracles" were banned**.

Q: What was the public reaction to the Religious Settlement?

Most people **accepted it** because it included **elements of both Catholicism and Protestantism**. Many Catholic nobles **paid fines rather than attending services**. The **North of England** was slower to accept changes, while the **South enforced them quickly**.

Q: How did Elizabeth I ensure clergy accepted the Religious Settlement?

**All clergy had to swear an oath** of loyalty.

• The **North of England** was slower to accept changes, while the **South enforced them quickly**.

• **Most Catholic bishops refused and were replaced with Protestants**.

Q: How did Elizabeth I use the Church of England to enforce the Religious Settlement?

**Church courts** prosecuted those who refused to follow it.

• **Most Catholic bishops refused and were replaced with Protestants**.

• **400 clergy lost their jobs** for breaking the Settlement.

Q: What were Church visitations in 1559?

**Officials inspected churches every 3

• Some officials **destroyed decorations**, which **Elizabeth did not approve of**.

Q: How did Elizabeth use reaction and reform to enforce the Religious Settlement?

**Reaction**: Arrested **two Catholic bishops** to pass the Act in Parliament.

• **Reform**: Adjusted the **prayer book wording** to make it more acceptable to Catholics.

Q: Why did Parliament initially oppose the Religious Settlement? :

**Catholic bishops in the House of Lords** refused to pass a law establishing Protestantism.

• **Reform**: Adjusted the **prayer book wording** to make it more acceptable to Catholics.

Q: What was the long term impact of the Religious Settlement?

It established **Protestantism in England** while keeping **Catholic elements**.

It gave Elizabeth more **control over the Church**.