How far were the religious policies of Elizabeth I, in the years 1558 to 1560, shaped by the need to heal religious divisions?

Upon her accession to the throne in 1558, Elizabeth I inherited a nation deeply divided by religion. The tumultuous reigns of Edward VI and Mary I had left England oscillating between Protestantism and Catholicism, creating a climate of uncertainty and tension. Elizabeth's religious policies, particularly in the crucial years between 1558 and 1560, played a pivotal role in addressing this division. This essay will argue that while the need to heal religious divisions was a significant factor in shaping Elizabeth's approach, her policies were also influenced by her own beliefs, political pragmatism, and the desire to consolidate her authority.

Arguments supporting the view that Elizabeth's policies were primarily shaped by the need to heal religious divisions:

Elizabeth needed to establish her authority. Emerging from the shadow of Mary's reign, tainted by its association with burnings and religious persecution, Elizabeth needed to assert her legitimacy and gain the trust of her people. A moderate religious settlement, avoiding extremes, was essential for national unity and stability. The Act of Supremacy (1559), for instance, reinstated the monarch as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a move designed to appeal to both moderate Catholics who could accept the monarch's leadership in religious matters and Protestants who rejected papal authority.

Elizabeth needed to ensure that her religious settlement was acceptable to a broad spectrum of her subjects. This was evident in the careful crafting of the Act of Uniformity (1559), which, while re-establishing Protestant practices, retained elements of Catholic liturgy. This 'middle way' aimed to appease as many as possible, minimizing alienation and potential rebellion. The emphasis on continuity with the pre-Marian church, evident in the retention of traditional vestments and the Book of Common Prayer's moderate tone, further illustrates this point. By avoiding drastic breaks with the past, Elizabeth sought to minimize resistance and foster a sense of shared religious identity.

Elizabeth attempted to reconcile the views of moderate Catholics and those Protestants who did not want a radical religious Reformation. Her approach was characterized by a degree of ambiguity and compromise. For example, the use of the term 'Supreme Governor' instead of 'Supreme Head' of the Church allowed for a broader interpretation of the monarch's role, potentially reassuring some Catholics. Similarly, the suppression of Catholic practices such as pilgrimages was balanced by the retention of bishops and cathedrals, signifying a degree of accommodation for traditional religious sensibilities.

Arguments challenging the view:

Elizabeth needed to establish a religious settlement which was sufficiently Protestant to satisfy the growing Puritan movement and attract the support of influential Protestant countries like Sweden. This meant that appeasing Catholics could not be her sole aim. While some concessions were made to Catholic sensibilities, the overall trajectory of Elizabeth's religious reforms was undoubtedly Protestant. The rejection of transubstantiation, the emphasis on scripture as the sole source of religious authority, and the translation of the prayer book into English all pointed towards a decisive break with Rome.

Elizabeth was prepared to challenge the Protestant exiles who returned to England after Mary’s reign. These exiles, having experienced more radical forms of Protestantism in Europe, often criticized Elizabeth for not going far enough. The Vestments Controversy of 1566, in which Puritan ministers objected to the use of traditional vestments, is a prime example of Elizabeth's willingness to confront those pushing for a more radical Reformation. This suggests that the need to heal religious divisions was not always paramount in her decision-making.

Elizabeth was uncompromising in terms of rejecting the Catholicism of Mary, particularly its ties to foreign powers and its potential to undermine her authority. The Act of Supremacy and the rejection of papal authority left no room for compromise on these fundamental issues. Furthermore, her execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587, largely motivated by religious concerns, demonstrates that Elizabeth was willing to take decisive and ruthless action to protect her throne and the Protestant faith.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the need to heal religious divisions was a significant factor in shaping Elizabeth I's religious policies in the years 1558 to 1560, it was by no means the only one. Her actions were also driven by the need to establish her authority, consolidate her power, and secure the support of key constituencies within England and abroad. The 'middle way' she sought to navigate was not simply about finding a compromise between Catholicism and Protestantism; it was about creating a religious settlement that would ensure national unity, bolster her own legitimacy, and enable England to navigate the treacherous waters of religious conflict that characterized the sixteenth century.