henry viii and the church of england. in 1534, henry viii wanted to divorce his first wife,...

HENRY VIII and THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

In 1534, Henry VIII wanted to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, so that he could marry his new love, Anne Boleyn.

Catherine of Aragon Anne Boleyn

At this time, England was a Catholic country and the Pope would not allow Henry VIII to divorce Catherine of Aragon. Catholics believe that marriage is for life.

Therefore, Henry VIII set up the Church of England, with himself as the leader. All Church officials had to swear their allegiance to Henry VIII. This was known as the REFORMATION.Thus ANGLICANISM was born.

When Henry became king in 1509, the church in England was as follows:

• Head of the Church: the Pope, based in Rome• Church services: all were held in Latin • Prayers: all said in Latin • Bible: written in Latin • Priests: not allowed to marry

By the death of Henry in 1547, the church in England was as follows :

• Head of the Church : the King • Church services : held in Latin • Prayers: most said in Latin. The "Lord’s Prayer" was

said in English • Bible: written in English • Priests: not allowed to marry.