The Reformation in England Some Highlights

King Henry VIII Born – 1491 Becomes King – 1509 Marries His (Widowed) Sister – in – Law, Catherine of Aragon – 1509 3 sons born before 1515; none lived as long as 2 months Daughter, Mary, born 1516. 1517 – Luther’s 95 Theses 1521 – Publishes “In Defense of the Seven Sacraments”. 1521 – Named “Defender of the Faith” by the Pope King Henry VIII

Henry’s Worries About a Male Heir By 1525, Henry became concerned that he would never have a (legitimate) son. He falls in love with a mistress, Anne Boleyn. He petitions the pope to have his marriage to Catherine annulled; this was denied. Henry declares himself head of the Church in England, enabling a divorce from Catherine and marriage to Ann A daughter, Elizabeth, is born in 1533.

Further Developments At first, the Church of England does not change much; late in his reign, he begins to permit some Protestant reforms. Catholics persecuted Henry ends up executing Anne after she miscarries a boy; he marries again; a boy, Edward, is born in 1537. Henry dies 1547.

Succession and Religious Persecutions Henry is succeeded by Edward VI, aged nine. Edward’s Regents were of a Protestant mindset; the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, institutes Protestant reforms; Catholics continue to be persecuted. Edward VI dies 1553, with no heirs. Mary (daughter of Catherine) becomes Queen; attempts to reinstate Roman Catholicism. Protestants persecuted until Mary’s death, 1558

Elizabeth I She forges a compromise, outlawing both Roman Catholicism and Calvinism. Her “middle way” becomes characteristic of the Church of England. Her 44 year reign establishes the Anglican Church as a distinct Tradition

James I Succeeds Elizabeth in 1603 Sponsors the translation of the Bible in his name, published 1611 Jamestown colony is named for him. The KJV is the most influential Bible in English in History; Catholics for many years are forbidden to read it .