The religious problem in England

From 1534, with Henry VIII’s Act of Supremacy, in England started treats between different believers, which characterised the whole Renaissance.

The Act of Supremacy established that everybody had to take the so-called “Oath of Supremacy”, recognising the Church of England as State religion and rejecting the Pope’s authority.

Obviously, most Catholics did not take the oath, so that they were condemned for high treason.

The struggles continued with the following Kings and Queens, especially because they did not follow a common path: while Edward VI was protestant and reinforced the English Church, queen Mary Tudor persecuted Protestants, supported by Spain and by the Pope.

Also the famous Elizabeth I had to face religious clashes: her Catholic cousin Mary Stuart protected clergy’s corruption and took part in several plots against the Crown. Mary Stuart was related to Philip II of Spain, who decided to attack England after Mary’s execution. However, Spanish Invincible Armada was defeated in 1588.

The fine religious balance broke out with James VI of Scotland who, supporting the corrupted Anglican clergy,  argued both with Catholics and Puritans (a Calvinist faith whose members believe in  predestination and only work and pray).

The first tried to blow up the Parliament in 1605 with the so-called Gunpowder Plot; the second escaped from England with the Mayflower, landed in North America and founded the first settlements of the USA.

Catholics also rebelled in Ireland in 1641.

Only in  1689 King Charles II stated the freedom of religion in England