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How did Henry VIII reform the Church in England?

In: History of England, Anglican, Henry VIII [Edit categories]

Answer:

In England, the Reformation had gained hold in certain areas. The Catholic monasteries in England were also corrupt and conning money out of the poor by claiming, for example, to have this relic or another relic from a long-dead saint - most of which were fake. The corruption of the monasteries was a threat to the very fabric of England and Henry was therefore compelled by his subjects to dissolve them - much to Pope's anger. Relations with the Pope were at straining point and the Pope's refusal to annul Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn (and not to grant a 'divorce') caused Henry to split from Rome and form his own Catholic Church with Christ at the head (and not the Pope) with himself as 'Supreme Governor' on earth. Since then every British monarch has had this position. The result of Henry's split was excommunication by the Pope.

Henry lived and died a Catholic, but Protestantism eventually became a way of life in England after the ruthless and bloody reign of his daughter Mary who attempted to restore catholicism cruelly murdering hundreds of clergy and others who attempted to stand in her way. It wasn't until her death and her younger sister Elizabeth I's accession to the throne that Protestant England settled down to peace. Unlike the Protestants of Europe, The Church of England

retained apostolic succession through the bishops, and
retained other sacramental worship, baptisms, the Eucharist and so on.

However, thanks to the

Book of Common Prayer and the
King James Bible translated after Elizabeth's death,

the common man could understand services and read the scriptures for himself, instead on having to rely on a priest to tell him what to believe.

First answer by Poly78. Last edit by JohnWelsh. Contributor trust: 372 Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].

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