Returning protestant exiles saw the Queen as the "Old Testament heroine".
Elizabeth (by analogy) protected the godly from the evils (Catholics).
Religious issues of the reign came from Elizabeth being unwilling to fulfil the role given to her by enthusiastic councillors.
Most enthusiastic supporters demonstrated "Protestant zeal", ensured loyalty.
Elizabeth still maintained conservative approach to religious matters.
DEVELOPMENTS
Protestant bias reflected in appointment of new bishops, one of Mary's refused.
Moderate appointments for bishops.
Most of the new bishops were returning exiles, appointments were a strategy to reshape Church hierarchy to be more evangelical.
Elizabeth disapproved of clergy marriage, distrusted preaching and ensured musical culture was preserved in Cathedrals.
Settlement established Church's doctrine and represented the start of spiritual renewal.
View of Queen's key advisers including Cecil
DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE SETTLEMENT
1563 publication of the apology of the Church of England, exiled during Mary's reign and argued the Church was returning to it's true position. Believed continuity could be seen from the early Church described in the reformers beliefs.
Publication of 1563 Thirty-Nine articles, defined difference between Protestant and Catholic Church. Supported reformed doctrine, particularly Swiss. Convocation was unsuccessful in achieving removal of lasting Catholic features in the church such as clerical dress.
The Church of England was "Calvinist in doctrine" but "half reformed" in structure.