1. 13.4-The Power of the Church

2. The Church and their Authority
Church very powerful institution
Charlemagne (800 AD)-Church to be influential in spiritual and political affairs
Gelasius-Church holds spiritual sword, emperor political sword
Although nice idea, did not work-constant power struggles between Church and European rulers

3. Structure of Church Power based on status in church
Pope in Rome in charge of all clergy (religious officials)
Bishops supervised priests
Bishops settled disputes over Church teaching and practice
For most, local priest was main contact with Church

4. Religion as a Unifying Force
Feudalism and the manor system created major divides
Shared beliefs of teachings of Church bonded people together
Provided relief in a life of struggle and warfare
By following sacraments and believing in Christianity- everyone could reach heaven

5. Law of the Church
Created a set of spiritual beliefs but also system to guide people’s conduct
People subject to canon/church law in everyday lives
Excommunication-banishment from the Church-used by pope to get kings to listen to him
Interdict-sacraments and religious services could not be performed in the king’s land

6. Otto I and the Church
Most effective ruler of medieval Germany was Otto I
Formed a close alliance with Church
Gained support of bishops and abbots and defeated German princes
Also invaded Italy on the pope’s behalf
Pope rewarded him by crowning him emperor

7. Signs of Future Conflicts
Otto I created Holy Roman Empire- strongest state in Europe from AD
Popes and Italian nobles resented German power over Italy
Very upset over practice of lay investiture where kings and nobles were appointed as Church officials
Banned by Pope Gregory VII in 1075
German emperor Henry IV called for Gregory to step down
Gregory excommunicated Henry

8. Showdown at Canossa
German bishops and princes sided with the pope-Henry tried to get forgiveness
Went to Canossa to beg Pope for forgiveness
Pope kept Henry waiting in snow for 3 days before ending excommunication
Solved nothing-pope humiliated Henry

9. Concordat of Worms
Gregory and Henry as well as their successors fought over lay investiture until 1122
Met at German city of Worms- and reached compromise
Church alone could appoint a bishop but emperor could veto the appointment
German princes regained some power

10. Frederick I
1152-German princes realized need a strong ruler to keep the peace
Chose Frederick I (Barbarossa)
Dominated German princes
When he left the land, disorder returned
Invaded rich Italian cities which resulted in Italian merchants and the pope unifying against him (the Lombard League)
Italians beat Frederick who was forced to make peace with the Pope
Defeat undermined his authority and empire fell to pieces upon his death

11. German States Remain Separate
German kings after Frederick tried to revive Charlemagne's empire and alliance with the Church
Led to wars and clashes with the pope
Also have weakening of royal authority by German princes electing the king
German rulers controlled fewer and fewer land
German feudal lands did not unify during this time