Theology as a basis for policy in the elizabethan church

Abstract

The enigma of Elizabeth’s faith and personality continues to fascinate historians. Her actions are fully recorded: the rejection of her father’s title in favour of ‘Supreme Governor’, and the passing of the act of uniformity in 1559 which almost, but not quite, restored the form of religion authorised under her brother. Elizabeth had chosen between London and Rome, but at the same time she made gestures towards Spain and Germany. Her church was staffed partly by returned exiles, partly by scholars like Matthew Parker, who had remained at their desks under Mary. The archbishop had to build up the numbers and quality of the clergy, and create a new church. Henrican Catholicism was dead beyond recall. The work of Knox in Scotland was about to diminish the standing of the crown. The exiles had tasted independence in church government, though in a still corporate view of society this was to remain an anabaptist heresy. Parker had to use these men to establish a church as close as possible to the desires of his mistress, which were never made explicit. A study of contemporary theological works is a vital guide to the nature of this church.