Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
The persecution of dissenters under Charles II and James II (James II…
The persecution of dissenters under Charles II and James II
Charles II: the religion persecutor
Charles II's approach towards dissenters fluctuated, depending on who far that threatened religious order. Took strong action against dissent the Conventional & Five Mile Act
Under the Conventicle Act of 1664, religious meetings of five people who were not in the Church of England were forbidden. Punishment fine on third, result in transportation
Five Mile Act- Preacher or teacher who refused the compulsory oaths of loyalty to the Church of England required Act of Uniformity not go within five miles of corporate town or parish.
Second Conventicle Act, more draconian than the first, further limited meetings of religious gatherings not related to C of E. Charles removed Justices of Peace
Role of political elite in religious persecution
Charles II intended to create a more comprehensive church. Did not seek to have Conventicle Act renewed it expired in 1668, allowing non-conformists to meet freely.
Dissent was stronger in urban areas, where there more likely to be ruling elite with shared ideas and sympathy non-conformists.
For some, non-conformity from persecution was a link to Interregnum, where NMA projected non-conformists from persecution. Majority of gentry against greater freedom for dissents
Quakers
Persecution of dissent under Charles II was harsh became harsher the longer he rules. Quaker Act of 1662 required Quakers take an oath of allegiance to the king.
Quaker religious convictions prevented them from doing so, and they were thus subjected to increasingly intense persecution
Quakers were imprisoned, over 400 dying during their confinement.
James II
Supporter of religious toleration. Promoted religious freedom in American colonies and he helped his friend Quaker William Penn, establish Quaker colony of Pennsylvania.
James promoted toleration with Declaration of Indulgence of 1687, freed Catholics and Protestant non-conformists from their religious restriction.
Anglican saw declaration as a threat to the position of the Church of England, did not carry out his terms. Second Declaration was issued 1688 read in all churches
However, dissenters did not trust James, believing his real intention was to favour Catholics.
Declarations of Indulgence one of the causes of the Glorious Revolution the removal of Catholic James II replaced with William and Mary.