Henry VIII

Anglicanism

• During the early years of the Protestant Reformation in Europe, the ideas of the Reformers did not take a firm hold in England.

• But in 1530, King Henry VIII wanted his marriage to Catherine of Aragon declared invalid so he could marry Anne Boleyn.

• The pope denied his request, so Henry declared himself the head of the Church of England, breaking away from the authority of the Catholic Church.

• The religious climate under Henry VIII and his successors, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, was volatile .

• Catholics were often persecuted and there were many English martyrs.

• Christians on both sides suffered or were killed in the conflict.

• Henry VIII was not ideologically Protestant, but many of his advisors were more radical.

• Under Henry’s successor, Edward VI:

• Protestantism became more firmly established.

• Latin Catholic Mass was replaced with an English service structured by the Book of Common Prayer.

• Church images were dismantled, vestments were forbidden, and stone altars were replaced with wooden communion tables.

• Edward was king for only a short time before he died. 

• His Catholic half-sister Mary assumed the throne, dismantled Edward’s reforms, and re- established England as a Catholic nation.

• She died five years later, and Elizabeth became Queen of England and ruled for 45 years. Under her rule:

• Protestant control of the Church of England became permanent.

• Edward’s reforms were re-established, including the Book of Common Prayer.

• Many ancient traditions of the Church were kept.

• Anglicanism sees itself as a middle way between Catholicism and Reformed Protestantism.