Impact of the Religious Settlement

The Religious Settlement had varying impacts on different groups within English society:

The Clergy:

• Most parish priests (8,000) took the oath of supremacy
• Only 250 priests lost their jobs for refusing the oath
• Only 1 bishop took the oath, while 27 others stepped down

The People:

• The majority accepted the settlement and attended services
• Catholic areas were slower to accept the changes
• Few people were punished for non-compliance

Highlight: The vague wording of the prayer book allowed for broad acceptance among the population.

Key Areas of the Settlement

1. Head of Church and Bishops:

   • Elizabeth became Supreme Governor
   • Bishops were appointed to run the church

2. Church Decoration and Music:

   • Ornaments and decorations were allowed
   • Singing of hymns continued

3. Bible and Church Services:

   • Services were conducted in English
   • The Bible was available in English

4. Clergy:

   • Required to wear distinctive clerical dress (vestments)

Quote: "Elizabeth given title of 'Supreme Governor' of Church of England, rather than 'Supreme Head'"

This compromise approach aimed to create a unified national church that could accommodate both Catholic and Protestant elements, ultimately contributing to the stability of Elizabethan England.

The Reformation and Religious Divisions in 1558

The Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther in 1517, led to significant religious divisions in England by 1558. This period saw a stark contrast between Protestant and Catholic beliefs and practices.

Protestant beliefs:

• Bible and church services in the vernacular
• Simple church decorations and services
• Direct relationship with God through prayer and Bible study
• Priests allowed to marry

Catholic beliefs:

• Bible and church services in Latin
• Elaborate church decorations and vestments
• Church as an intermediary between God and people
• Priests forbidden to marry

Highlight: The religious landscape in England in 1558 was geographically divided, with northern areas tending to be more Catholic, while London, East Anglia, and the southeast were more Protestant.

The Religious Settlement

Elizabeth I's Religious Settlement consisted of two key acts:

1. Act of Supremacy (1559):

   • Named Elizabeth "Supreme Governor" of the Church of England
   • Required clergy and royal officials to swear an oath of allegiance
   • Established an ecclesiastical High Commission to implement changes

2. Act of Uniformity (1559):

   • Mandated the use of the Book of Common Prayer in all churches
   • Required church attendance on Sundays and holy days
   • Imposed fines on recusants (those refusing to attend church)

Definition: A religious settlement refers to an agreement or policy that establishes the official religious practices and beliefs of a nation or region.