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The Religious settlement of 1559 (The Act of Supremacy gave Elizabeth…
The Religious settlement of 1559
The Act of Supremacy gave Elizabeth control over the Church
Henry VIII and Edward VI had used the title of Supreme Head of the Church of England. In her Act of Supremacy, Elizabeth altered this title to make herself Supreme Governor of the English Church.
The Act of Supremacy required churchmen and people holding public office to swear the Oath of Supremacy. They had to recognise the Queen as Supreme Governor and promise to be loyal to her.
After the turmoil of her predecessors' reigns, Elizabeth was determined to bring religious stability to England. In 1559 she passed her religious 'settlement', a clever compromise between Protestant and Catholic beliefs.
Most Parish Priests took the Oath. However, all but one of the Catholic bishops refused and lost their posts. They were replaced by Protestant bishops, some of whom had been Marian exiles.
The Act of Uniformity made moderate Protestant reforms
Reforms
A new Book of Common Prayer was issued, which had to be used in all churches.
All parishes had to have a copy of the Bible in English.
Going to church was compulsory- there were fines for missing a church service.
Concessions
The wording of the communion service was kept deliberately vague so that it could be accepted by both Protestants and Catholics.
Churches were allowed to keep some decorations, and priests had to wear certain Catholic vestments.
Elizabeth wanted everyone in England to conform to her religious settlement. Royal commissions were ordered to visit churches throughout the country to ensure that the Acts and Injunctions were being enforced.
The Act of Uniformity and the Royal Injunctions, both passed in 1559, imposed moderate Protestant reforms on the English Church, but they also made concessions to English Catholics.
The Church played an important role in English society
Parish priests were often the most educated people in their communities, which made them respected and influential figures. As well, as providing religious guidance, parish priests gave advice, helped resolve disputes and played an important role in providing charitable support to the poor and elderly.
The church helped promote national unity and obedience to the Queen. The Queen's coat of Arms was often displayed in churches, and church services included prayers for the Queen and her councillors.
Senior churchmen were involved in the government- all bishops held a seat at the House of Lords and the Archbishop of Canterbury was usually a member of the privy council.