Reformation in England - Henry VIII (Part 3)

Was Henry VIII a Reformer?

Contrary to popular belief, Henry did not become a protestant. He was a Catholic, holding Roman doctrine until the day of his death. Indeed, he required everyone to continue in the Catholic faith and was quite prepared to put to death anyone who embraced protestantism or even denied transubstantiation. That is not to say that there were no changes at all.

The Dissolution

Some leading catholics were executed by Henry, most notablyThomas More and John Fisher. However, they were not executed because they were Roman Catholics but because they opposed Henry's divorce and his Act of Supremacy. They were, therefore, not executed as "heretics" but as traitors.

Many of the monastic institutions had become rich and corrupt. Henry found this to be sufficient excuse to close down the monastries and abbeys and sell off the land. This achieved more than "reform". Firstly it raised vast sums of money. Secondly, it silenced a potential opposition to his claim to be supreme head of the Church of England. Henry also encouraged a much simpler form of worship, discouraging the offering of money or candles before statues of the saints, the adoration of relics and saying prayers using rosaries.

The Great Bible

Perhaps the greatest move that Henry made towards reform was in placing a copy of the Bible in English in every Church. The translation was by Miles Coverdale and the psalms from that translation survive to this day in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Despite Henry's dislike of Protestantism, many of his closest advisors, including Thomas Cranmer, Thomas Cromwell, Hugh Latimer, had strong protestant leanings. These advisors had powerful influence over the education of Henry's heir, Edward. It was left to the reign of Edward VI to herald a truly protestant Church in England.