Settlement FAQs

did the elizabethan settlement work

by Blake Halvorson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The Elizabethan Act of Settlement was introduced to keep all religious groups satisfied, which seemed to be successful. However, it failed to make everyone happy. A lot of Catholics did not accept it, along with some puritans who refused to make any compromises with the Catholics.

The Settlement failed to end religious disputes. While most people conformed, a minority of recusants remained loyal Catholics. Within the Church of England, a Calvinist consensus developed among leading churchmen.

Full Answer

What is true about the Elizabeth settlement?

The Elizabethan spiritual Settlement was a repertoire of laws and decisions concerning religious practices introduced in between 1558-63 CE by Elizabeth ns of England (r. 1558-1603 CE).

What is true Elizabeth settlement?

The re-establishment of the Church of England in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I is known as The Elizabethan Religious Settlement. This restoration was done by two Acts of Parliament: 1. THE ACT OF SUPREMACY 2. THE ACT OF UNIFORMITY THE ACT OF SUPREMACY This Act made Queen Elizabeth I "Supreme Governor" of the Church of England.

What was Queen Elizabeths 1st religious settlement?

These two Acts under the Elizabethan Religious settlement included Act of Supremacy of 1559 and the Act of Uniformity of 1559. You can read more on facts on Queen Elizabeth the First. The Elizabethan settlement of 1559 also known as the Elizabethan Religious Settlement contained a middle way solution to the Catholicism and Protestantism.

What was the Elizabethan Poor Law?

The creation of the first Elizabethan Poor Law or The Poor Law of 1601 made this evident. The Elizabethan Poor Law is a collection of laws serving human rights by distribution of relief goods for the poor.

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Was the Elizabethan settlement a success?

The Elizabethan Religious settlement was a necessary part of Elizabeth's success as a monarch. Because of the religious beliefs of her siblings, the realm was a very religiously unstable place, and Elizabeth had to find ways to appease both the Edwardian Protestants and the Marian Catholics.

How effective was Elizabeth's Religious Settlement?

There were 10,000 parishes in England at this time so this shows that the religious settlement was largely successful. When it came to the bishops, however, only one agreed to take the oath. The others all had to step down and Elizabeth appointed 27 new bishops.

What problem did the Elizabethan settlement resolve?

The Religious Settlement was an attempt by Elizabeth I to unite the country after the changes in religion under Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I. It was designed to settle the divide between Catholics and Protestants and address the differences in services and beliefs.

How was the Elizabethan settlement a compromise?

The queen had compromised a little on the wording of the Supremacy Act, calling herself the 'Supreme Governor' of the Church instead of the 'Supreme Head', thus making her more acceptable to Protestants who disliked the idea of a woman in that position.

Why was the Elizabethan Settlement important?

The Elizabethan Settlement was an attempt to end this religious turmoil. The Act of Supremacy of 1558 re-established the Church of England's independence from Rome, and Parliament conferred on Elizabeth the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

What impact did the Religious Settlement have?

The Religious Settlement aimed to ease the tensions created by the religious divisions of the previous 25 years. It tried to take elements from both Protestantism and Catholicism, but since many Protestants had become MPs, the Settlement was perhaps more Protestant than Elizabeth would have liked.

How did the Elizabethan settlement affect the Reformation in England?

How did the Elizabethan Settlement affect the Reformation in England? Even though Elizabeth preserved many traditional Catholic ideas, she firmly established England as a Protestant nation.

Why was the Religious Settlement a problem for Elizabeth?

The Act of Supremacy This made Elizabeth the Supreme Governor of the Church. The term 'Supreme Head' was avoided because Christ was seen as Head of the Church. There was a strict prohibition of foreign leadership in the English church, so denying Elizabeth's position in the Church was considered treason.

What were the challenges to the Religious Settlement?

Many Catholics in England were not happy with Elizabeth's Settlement. They had enjoyed religious freedom under Queen Mary, Elizabeth's sister, and they were now being asked to change or deny their beliefs. Many couldn't make this compromise and left to live in exile abroad.

Why was the Religious Settlement a problem for Elizabeth?

The Act of Supremacy This made Elizabeth the Supreme Governor of the Church. The term 'Supreme Head' was avoided because Christ was seen as Head of the Church. There was a strict prohibition of foreign leadership in the English church, so denying Elizabeth's position in the Church was considered treason.

Why was religion important in the Elizabethan era?

Religion influence the funding and development of New England Colonies because it was one of the main reasons why the people wanted to break away. The Church of England believed that everyone should praise God, but only on their terms.

How did the Elizabethan settlement affect the Reformation in England?

How did the Elizabethan Settlement affect the Reformation in England? Even though Elizabeth preserved many traditional Catholic ideas, she firmly established England as a Protestant nation.

What were the challenges to the Religious Settlement?

Many Catholics in England were not happy with Elizabeth's Settlement. They had enjoyed religious freedom under Queen Mary, Elizabeth's sister, and they were now being asked to change or deny their beliefs. Many couldn't make this compromise and left to live in exile abroad.

What was the Elizabethan religious settlement?

The Elizabethan Religious Settlement was a collection of laws and decisions concerning religious practices introduced between 1558-63 CE by Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603 CE). The settlement continued the English Reformation which had begun during the reign of her father, Henry VIII of England (r. 1509-1547 CE) whereby the Protestant Church of England split from the Catholic Church led by the Pope in Rome. There was opposition to the moderate features of the Settlement from both radical Catholics and radical Protestants. In addition, the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth for heresy in 1570 CE. Nevertheless, many of the features of the Settlement such as replacing altars with communion tables, using English in services, and banning traditional mass services, remained in place over the following centuries and their effects can still be seen on today's Anglican Church.

What resulted from Elizabeth's cautious reforms?

Elizabeth's cautious reforms resulted in 'a Church that was Protestant in doctrine, Catholic in appearance'.

What were the thirty nine articles of 1563?

The Thirty-nine Articles of 1563 CE (made law in 1571 CE) were the final part of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement. Essentially, they covered all the matters not yet set out in previous legislation and aimed to definitively establish what was meant by the English version of Protestantism, otherwise known as Anglicism. This was by no means a simple task as, in these early stages, nobody quite knew what Anglicism precisely was except that it was not Catholicism or extreme Protestantism but somewhere in-between. Article 34, for example, stated the following:

What was the Act of Supremacy?

The Act of Supremacy - established Elizabeth as head of the Church of England. The Act of Uniformity - set out the appearance of churches and services, banned mass services. The Royal Injunctions - 57 regulations on Church matters, e.g.: preachers required a license and pilgrimages were banned.

How did the Queen reassert her authority over the Church?

The queen's reassertion of control over religious matters was achieved via the April 1559 CE Act of Supremacy, once more closing the door on the Pope. Elizabeth had taken the decision to arrest any Catholic bishops that did not accept her authority as sovereign over them. Two bishops were sent to the Tower of London as a consequence. This pressure meant that the Act was passed by Parliament but only by the slightest of majorities. The queen had compromised a little on the wording of the Supremacy Act, calling herself the 'Supreme Governor' of the Church instead of the 'Supreme Head', thus making her more acceptable to Protestants who disliked the idea of a woman in that position. The queen was determined to see the act enforced and sent inspectors around the parishes for that purpose. Anyone suspected of not recognising Elizabeth as head of the Church would now find themselves before a new court, the Court of High Commission. Unlike in other Protestant states, the old Catholic structure of the Church below the sovereign was maintained with the bishops organised in a hierarchy. The Archbishop of Canterbury remained at the top, the Archbishop of York was number two, and the monarch appointed the bishops and archbishops. It was a good start but finding the balance between radicals on either side of the religious debate was going to be more difficult than mere wordplay.

What did the Queen compromise on?

The queen had compromised a little on the wording of the Supremacy Act, calling herself the 'Supreme Governor' of the Church instead of the 'Supreme Head', thus making her more acceptable to Protestants who disliked the idea of a woman in that position.

Which of England's three closest neighbours were Catholic?

The north of England remained conservative in religious matters and England's three closest neighbours ( Scotland, France, and Spain) were all Catholic states. Consequently, Elizabeth's reforms would have to be introduced with care. Elizabeth I Sieve Portrait. Quentin Metsys the Younger (Public Domain)

What was the primary function of the House of Commons during the Elizabethan period?

Elizabethan Social and Economic Legislation. Social and economic legislation occupied a great deal of time in Elizabethan Parliaments and was considered, after the granting of taxation, to be the primary function of the House of Commons.

Did the settlement of religion have to be enacted by Parliament?

There seems to have been no question that the settlement of religion had to be enacted by Parliament, under the guidance of the new queen and her counsellors. One difficulty for Protestant reformers, however, was that the House of Lords, including the bishops, was staunchly Roman Catholic.

What was the solution to the Elizabethan Settlement?

The Elizabethan Settlement would need to tackle this issue. The solution was to use elements of both the protestant version and catholic version of the prayer books. This allowed an element of interpretation by the clergy.

What was the importance of worshipping in the Elizabethan world?

In the Elizabethan world worshipping was a matter of life, death and the afterlife, it was a matter of great urgency that a solution or compromise could be agreed. The issue was one of the first matters dealt with by Elizabeth and her Privy Council.

Why did Protestants return to England after Mary's death?

Following the death of Mary, many Protestants returned to England in the belief that the country would be Protestant

What was the Church in England's split from Rome?

The Church in England had only broken from Rome a generation earlier. Even then, the split was not a change of theological approach, more a political tool for Henry VIII’s gain. It had allowed reformers, the protestants, to implement some changes though.

Who wrote the monarchy into law?

This prompted debate over the issue. The role of the monarch in this area needed to be addressed. It had been written into law by Henry VIII and used by the administration of Edward VI and again by Mary I to change religious practise. If the monarch were the head of the church, this would place them above all others.

Did England have allies in Europe?

England had significant allies in Europe who were staunchly Roman Catholic. Elizabeth in inherited her crown from her sister, Mary I. Mary was Roman Catholic and married to the King of Spain, who had a claim to the English throne. A Settlement would need to take Anglo-Spanish relations into consideration.

What was the purpose of the Elizabethan settlement?

The Elizabethan settlement sought to be an inclusive middle course between divergent religious positions in English Christianity. Much of traditional Catholic faith and practice was retained, but without submission to papal authority. Much latitude for individual conscience was allowed, but uniformity of worship was required. Faithful Christians with differing theological convictions could find a home in a comprehensive English church.

What was the continuity of the Church of England in apostolic succession?

The continuity of the Church of England in apostolic succession was strongly upheld under Elizabeth. The consecration of Matthew Parker (1504-1575) as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1559 was done with great care to make sure that the line of English bishops in apostolic succession was unbroken. Although Elizabeth would have preferred a celibate clergy, clerical marriage was permitted as an indulgence. The Elizabethan settlement was foundational for the via media that has become characteristic of Anglicanism. Through this settlement the English church was comprehensive and inclusive, catholic and protestant, but neither Roman Catholic nor Genevan Protestant. See Receptionism; see Via Media.

What was the Act of Supremacy of 1559?

The Act of Supremacy of 1559 proclaimed Elizabeth to be the "supreme governor of this realm" in all spiritual , ecclesiastical , and temporal matters . Elizabeth's assertion of power over the English church was not as sweeping as that of Henry VIII, who was proclaimed the only supreme head on earth of the English church. The Act of Supremacy of 1559 included an oath of obedience to the Crown that was imposed on all clergy and public officials. Elizabeth exercised royal power concerning the church within the provisions of religious legislation, and she protected the church from attempts by Parliament to meddle.

What was the Elizabethan settlement?

The Act of Uniformity required all to attend church on Sundays and holy days, and mandated that church services would follow the second, more protestant, book of common prayer. While maintaining many Catholic traditions, she made England a firmly Protestant nation.

Why is Queen Elizabeth important?

England was able to escape endless religious wars that tore apart France and many other European states during the 1500s. Her compromises satisfied most Catholics and Protestants and ended decades of religious turmoil. This event in history proves that Queen Elizabeth had good leadership skills because she was able to make peace among the rivaling people of different religions. Queen Elizabeth left a legacy because this event was named the "Elizabethan Settlement". The settlement also became the foundation for Anglican churches around the world, including episcopal churches in the United States and many African churches. Queen Elizabeth also provided stability to England during the protestant reformation. This proves that she is a model leader because it is very hard to manage a nation during such a rough time in history. The ability to keep calm and think clearly during a strenuous time was a skill that Queen Elizabeth had, and utilized, in order to be not just a great leader, but a leader that was able to impact history and leave a lasting legacy to this day.

What was Queen Elizabeth's role in the Protestant Church?

Years later, Elizabeth came the queen of England. One of the first things she did was restore the Protestant Church of England. This was known as “The Elizabethan Settlement".

Why did Queen Elizabeth make her head the supreme head of the church?

The reason for this decision was because if she was the supreme head, it would anger the Catholics who did not accept the monarch as “Head of the Church.”

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