Returning to Protestantism
History: KS3, topic 5.2.10
Elizabeth I and the Reformation
Elizabeth I wanted to find a compromise between Catholicism and Protestantism.
Elizabeth I’s religion
- Elizabeth I was raised a Protestant.
- But she recognised that many people did not like the Protestant changes to the Church.
Finding a compromise
- Elizabeth I wanted reforms which everyone could accept. This was very difficult.
- Elizabeth I wanted to keep parts of the Catholic worship so ordinary people were happy. But she also wanted to change the Church’s doctrine so Protestant reformers were happy.
Elizabeth I’s reforms
- Elizabeth made herself ‘Supreme Governor’ of the Church of England.
- The Bible and Church services were returned to English.
- Visually, Church services remained Catholic.
- For example, church decorations and colourful clothes were allowed.
Elizabeth I’s reforms cont.
- Elizabeth I introduced a new prayer book which found a compromise in the issue of ‘transubstantiation’ (the idea that the substance of the wine and bread in communion becomes Christ's body and blood).
Enforcing reform
- Elizabeth I passed the Act of Uniformity in 1559.
- This made sure that everyone attended Church and used her new Book of Common Prayer.
Becoming distant from the Catholic Church
- By the end of her reign, Elizabeth I became more distant from the Catholic Church.
- She was excommunicated by (kicked out of) the Catholic Church by the Pope in 1570.
- Catholics plotted to overthrow Elizabeth I.
- Elizabeth I persecuted Catholics.
Test yourself on Returning to Protestantism
In which year was Elizabeth I excommunicated (kicked out of) the Catholic Church by the Pope?