The English Reformation (Edexcel GCSE History)

There were multiple reasons why England became Protestant in 1532. These are:

1. Martin Luther inspired the Protestant movement in Germany. This created the opportunity for other countries to pursue Protestantism

2. Henry wanted a son. His wife, Catherine of Aragon, was too old to have any more children. Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth’s mother, promised to give Henry a son and heir to the English throne

3. The Catholic Church made divorce forbidden unless the Pope granted it. When the Pope refused to give Henry a divorce from Catherine, ‘the break from Rome’ saw Henry create the independent Church of England. He announced himself as Head of the Church and granted himself a divorce

4. Henry desired to have more power. By making England’s official religion Protestant, he no longer had to consider the Pope’s opinion on matters such as war.
   

Henry VIII died in 1547. Elizabeth’s siblings reacted strongly to the English Reformation. Elizabeth’s half-brother Edward received a Protestant upbringing. Edward’s policies strengthened Protestantism in England. Elizabeth’s half-sister Mary changed England back to a Catholic country in 1553. She gained the nickname ‘Bloody Mary’ due to her execution of Protestants. Mary placed Elizabeth under house arrest for her Protestant beliefs.

The English Reformation created opportunities and issues for Elizabeth in 1558. People were tired of the ‘religious rollercoaster’ - the official religion of England flitting between Protestantism and Catholicism. Elizabeth had to resolve this

Religious issues

Catholic beliefs

What should the hierarchy of the Church look like?

The Pope in Rome is the Head of the Church. There is a structure underneath of cardinals, archbishops and bishops to manage the Church

What should the inside of churches look like?

Churches represent the glory of God. Churches should have stained-glass windows and expensive icons such as statues and pictures

What are the roles and restrictions of the clergy?

Priests are not allowed to marry. They should wear special robes called vestments. Their vestments should be beautifully decorated with colour. During Confession, a priest can forgive a person’s sins

What should the Bible and church services look like?

The Bible and church services should be in Latin. The service of Mass creates a miracle. The priest makes the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus

Religious issues

Protestant beliefs

What should the hierarchy of the Church look like?

The King or Queen should be the Head of the Church. Archbishops and bishops help the monarch run the Church

What should the inside of churches look like?

Spending lots of money on churches goes against the teachings of Christianity. Churches should have an altar and stained-glass windows but no icons

What are the roles and restrictions of the clergy?

Priests have the choice to marry. They should wear special vestments but they should have limited decoration. Priests cannot forgive sins; this power belongs to God alone

What should the Bible and church services look like?

The Bible and church services in England should be in English so everyone can access the word of God. The bread and wine in Communion represents the Last supper. It does not become the body and blood of Jesus