The Church of England and Protestant Established Churches in Europe (1648–1800)

Abstract

Abstract During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, almost all European states and many of their colonies maintained established churches. Such established churches were financed by the state and received both legal and social privileges. The established churches in turn provided religious support and legitimacy for the states. With the rise of the Protestant Reformation, Lutheran and Calvinist establishments emerged in Europe. Although no established Protestant Church was a model or representative of others, the Church of England illustrates the wide range of conflicts and issues that arose in Protestant establishments during the period. Conflicts emerged not only between the established church and dissenting religious groups but within established churches over questions of doctrine, ritual, and hierarchy, as well as of influence over political leaders of the state. It is often observed that both political and religious leaders used their comparative positions to enhance their power and influence over others.