Reformation

Reformation Sixteenth-century European movement that sought reform of the universal Catholic Church and resulted in the development of Protestantism. More than a revolt against the ecclesiastical and doctrinal authority of the Church, it also represented a protest by many theologians and scholars against the interference of the Church in secular matters and the questionable activities of the contemporary clergy, notably the sale of indulgences and holy relics. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Catholic Church had been tested by the Lollards, the Hussites, and humanism. According to tradition, the Reformation started in 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the Schlosskirche in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther's attack on the corruption of the Church and the doctrines of papal supremacy, transubstantiation, and clerical celibacy won the support of several German princes. In Zurich, Switzerland, the Reformation was led first by Ulrich Zwingli, and then by John Calvin. Calvinism was adopted in France (see Huguenots), the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. In England, the Reformation was more politically than religiously inspired. In 1534, Thomas Cromwell drafted the Act of Supremacy that rejected papal authority, and made King Henry VIII the head of the English Church. Under Edward VI, Protestantism was established by the Book of Common Prayer (1552). In 1559, in the reign of Elizabeth I, the Church of England was formally established. In Scotland, the Reformation was led by John Knox, and Presbyterianism was established as the state religion in 1560. See also Counter-Reformation