Elizabeth I's Solution: The Religious Settlement, 1559 (Edexcel GCSE History)

England’s official religion had changed so often from 1532 to 1558 that it caused frustration. Protestants and Catholics lived in communities together and argued about their religious beliefs. Elizabeth’s government experienced this same division. Many of the Catholic clergy sat in the House of Lords and some would not convert to Protestantism. Therefore Elizabeth wanted to avoid conflict by choosing not to side with either branch of Christianity.

In 1559, Elizabeth created the Religious Settlement. It aimed to find a ‘middle way’ between Catholicism and Protestantism. She wanted to create a Protestant Church that the majority of Catholics could accept. She established a Church that looked Catholic but conducted Protestant services. She hoped this would avoid any Catholic uprisings against her.

The Puritans frightened Elizabeth. Puritans wanted their own church without the leadership of a pope or a monarch. Some Puritans even believed they had the right to overthrow their monarchs. This was unacceptable to Elizabeth and her belief in Divine Right. 

Elizabeth created the best compromise possible given the challenging religious environment she had inherited.

Key aspects of the Act of Supremacy

Impact on the Church and people

Elizabeth named herself Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This was different to her father, Henry VIII, who gave himself the title Head of the Church

Many people did not believe a woman could be Head of the Church. Some Catholics accepted this phrasing as they could still believe the Pope was the Head of the Church

All government officials and clergy had to take an oath accepting Elizabeth’s authority as Supreme Governor

Only one of Mary’s Catholic bishops agreed to take the oath

The Act created an Ecclesiastical High Commission. They ensured that churches were following Elizabeth's Religious Settlement

The Catholic clergy could lose their jobs or be imprisoned for breaking the terms of the settlement

Key aspects of the Act of Uniformity

Impact on the Church and people

Churches were allowed to have decorations and the congregation could sing hymns

This was well-received by many of Elizabeth’s Catholic opponents. Puritan bishops complained that churches looked too Catholic

The Bible and church services were conducted in English. Churches had to use the new Protestant prayer book 

The wording of the prayer book was deliberately unclear, especially for Mass. This meant that Catholics and Protestants could interpret it in their own way. Refusing to use the new prayer book resulted in punishment

Priests had to wear special vestments and could marry if they chose to

Many priests accepted these changes. The Puritan clergy did not believe in wearing special vestments

Everyone had to attend church on Sundays and on holy days. Recusants received a one-shilling fine for every absence

Many higher-class Catholics chose to pay the one-shilling fine rather than attend a Church of England service. Many lower-class Catholics could not afford to miss church services

Key aspects of the Royal Injunctions

Impact on the Church and people

It was a requirement for the clergy to teach that the Queen was in charge of the Church

Many clergy accepted this practice

The Privy Council received information about anyone who refused to attend church

Many Catholics decided to publicly show loyalty to the Church of England. Elizabeth’s government did not mind Catholics conducting religious services in private

Priests needed a license to preach. They had to perform services at least once a month

The clergy accepted the government monitoring their practices. They received visitations once every three to four years. The clergy had to present their licences to officials

The banning of pilgrimages and worshipping of ‘fake miracles’ 

Catholics could interpret this to mean that there were real miracles. Protestants and Puritans disapproved of the practice of worshipping idols. The Bible stated it was a sin to pray to images of God or other religious symbols