English Reformation
Also called: Act of Supremacy 1534 · Topic: Renaissance, Reformation and the Scientific Revolution · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The English Reformation was England's break from the Pope in the sixteenth century. It began under King Henry VIII after the Pope refused to cancel his marriage. Unlike in Germany, it was led by the king rather than by popular preachers. The ruler, not the Pope, became head of the English Church.
Example
The Act of Supremacy (1534) made Henry VIII Supreme Head of the Church of England. The Anglican Church was finally established in 1559, with the monarch at its head.
Don't confuse with
- German Reformation: it began with Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses (1517) and was a religious movement backed by merchants and towns. The English break was driven by the king.
Related concepts
- Christian humanism
- Thomas More
- Erasmus
- Indulgences
- Donation of Constantine
- Martin Luther
- Ninety-Five Theses
- Protestant Reformation
- John Calvin
- Anglican Church