AV

English Reformation: Henry VIII to Elizabeth I

Overview of the English Reformation

  • The English Reformation was crown-led, initiated by King Henry VIII (1509-1547) primarily to secure an annulment and establish a church independent of Rome.

Problems with the Roman Catholic Church

  • Problem 1: Resentment of Papal Corruption and Church Finances.
  • Problem 2: Religious Abuses and Calls for Reform by proto-Protestants like John Wycliffe and the Lollards.
  • Problem 3: Attractiveness of Protestant Ideas, with Lutheranism spreading by 1520.

Henry VIII: Motives and Break with Rome

  • Henry's main goal was a male heir and an annulment from Catherine of Aragon, who had only one surviving daughter, Mary.
  • He sought to marry Anne Boleyn.
  • Pope Clement VII, allied with Spain, delayed the annulment.
  • Henry persuaded English clergy and Parliament (between 1532 and 1536) to recognize the king as head of the English church, creating the Church of England.
  • The Church of England became independent from Rome but remained largely Catholic in doctrine and liturgy under Henry VIII.
  • Henry’s annulment was secured in May 1533, and he married Anne in January 1533.

Edward VI: Accelerated Protestant Reforms

  • Edward VI’s (reigned 1547-1553) short rule significantly Protestantized the church.
  • Key reforms: Justification by faith alone (sola fide), English-language sermons, clerical marriage, and reduction to two sacraments (baptism and communion).

Mary I (Mary Tudor): Catholic Restoration

  • Mary I (reigned 1553-1558) sought to restore Roman Catholicism.
  • Known as "Bloody Mary" for executing over 300 Protestants.
  • Her marriage to Philip II of Spain intensified fears of Catholic influence.

Elizabeth I: Pragmatism and the Elizabethan Settlement

  • Elizabeth I (ascended 1558) prioritized stability, compromise, and national unity.
  • The Elizabethan Settlement created a moderate Protestant Church of England, subordinate to the state.
  • It was deliberately ambiguous to accommodate different beliefs (Catholic sympathizers and Puritans).
  • This settlement helped England avoid widespread religious warfare, unlike continental Europe.

Key Takeaways and Terms

  • Different from Continent: Crown-led for political/dynastic ends, not primarily theological.
  • Key Terms: proto-Protestants, Lollards, sola fide, Church of England, Elizabethan Settlement, two sacraments.
  • Chronology: Henry VIII (1509-1547); Edward VI (1547-1553); Mary I (1553-1558); Elizabeth I (begins 1558).