What was the role of religion in Queen Elizabeth I's reign?

The role of religion in Queen Elizabeth I's reign was significant and complex. Elizabeth I was a Protestant queen who sought to establish a religious settlement that would bring stability to England after years of religious turmoil. She aimed to strike a balance between the Catholic and Protestant factions within her kingdom.

Elizabeth I implemented the Act of Supremacy in 1559, which made her the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This allowed her to assert control over the Church and its practices. She also introduced the Act of Uniformity, which established the Book of Common Prayer as the standard liturgy for the Church of England.

Despite her Protestant beliefs, Elizabeth I adopted a moderate approach towards religion. She allowed some Catholic practices to continue, such as the use of vestments and the presence of crucifixes in churches. This was done to appease the Catholic population and maintain stability.

Elizabeth I faced challenges from both Catholic and Protestant extremists. Catholic plots, such as the Babington Plot and the Spanish Armada, aimed to overthrow her and restore Catholicism. On the other hand, Puritan reformers criticized her religious policies for not going far enough in removing Catholic influences.

Overall, religion played a central role in Queen Elizabeth I's reign as she navigated the complexities of religious divisions and sought to maintain stability and unity within her kingdom.