Religion

• Religion was a huge problem for Elizabeth because the country was divided. Half the country was Catholic, wanting fancy services done in latin, with highly decorated churches, while the other half were protestant. They wanted plain services and ceremonies done in English, the exact opposite of the Catholics.
• Puritanism is an extreme form of Protestantism which rejects many aspects of traditional religion such as church decoration, music, and religious festivals.
• In 1559, Elizabeth introduced what is known as the 'Elizabthan Religious settlement' which stunted the religious conflict between the two sides, by compromising
• The Elizabethan Settlement allowed people to worship how they liked but it also made sure that there would be no more rebellions or uprisings against her rule due to religion.
• The religious settlement stated that everyone had to attend church and recusancy fines were introduced for those who refused, however these were not strictly enforced, and apart from that, Elizabeth allowed people to worship in the privacy of their own home
• Despite the religious settlement being accepted by most, some still opposed these ideas. These people were the two extremes of the two religions; Puritans and Devout Catholics.
• Elizabeth was made the Supreme Governor of the Church, taking power away from the Catholic Pope in Rome
• Her father, Henry VIII, had done the same in his reign, but called himself the Head of the Church
• Elizabeth's title as Governor implied she would not be as dictatorial and would be more tolerant
• The Act of Uniformity made Protestantism England's official faith
• The Act of Uniformity set out rules of religious practice and worship in a revised prayer book
• The Act of Uniformity retained some Catholic traditions in an attempt to make a compromise and keep the people happy